Thursday 31 August 2017

How Green Screens are used in Photography

The green screen enables the photographers to remove the background and insert digital effects in post production. The green software is powerful and contains a chroma key removal program which functions on itself with no support from other editing applications. Chroma key helps to amalgamate two or more videos and photos into one. It enables us to add an image of our choice later.
Also, sound effects like voice and background music to the videos can be done effectively. Green screen software provides a striking and splendid outcomes.

Why is Green Screen used:
Digital sensors are more sensitive to green color. So special effects can be given to videos. As skin tones do not have green tone, it provides a better contrast. When we shoot in a complete contrast color against the background, the separation process is made simple post production. Color spills has to be considered when shooting since the background colors may cast on the shoulders and hair which makes the editing job difficult post-production. So proper care has to be taken to avoid color spills. The following tips enables us to prevent color spills:
  • The subject has to be placed 8 - 10 feet away from the background
  • The background has to be lighted evenly.
  • The background has to be a step below the foreground
  • The color of the subject and background should not be the same.
There are varied choices of green screen software available.  Every software uses a unique algorithm to complete the process. They should possess the quality to make vital amendments to attain realistic images. Let's now consider the software that provides attractive image results:
Green Screen Wizard Pro Version 9.0 can be used both on Windows and MAC. It is a great tool for professional photographers. The first algorithm was released in 2007, and it works five times more efficient now. It uses a highly advanced removal process. The advantages of using  the software includes:


Supreme hair texture is given with Airbrush Editor
Green Screen Wizard Pro’s Airbrush Editor offers us with 15 unique brushes to uplift and restore the natural effects. This enables us to have an adorning final picture. As already the chroma key does the job of separating the hair from the background, this software enables us to restore the premium hair texture.   Also, the other choice of air brushes enables to restore effects on the shadows, a younger feel to the subject is given with smoothing brush and so on.

High level of performance
High level of performance is achieved with the special effect functions. The functionality can never be replaced by any other software. The post production results are ultimate.

Includes Expression
The software enables us to have a control on the size, angle, transparency and the texture. It helps us to add reflections to the images shot and can make even a sharp eye to believe the natural effect is maintained. The chroma key effect cannot be identified unless we tell out.

Lighting Effects
In the background removal process, vital importance has to give to the clean edges. For this, the lights have to be lit evenly. It helps us to overcome the shadows getting cast on the background. The amount of the light spill has to be controlled whether it be a sheet, circle or cone effect. A shadow generator can be used to bring in realism.

Sophisticated Outline
The green screen software enables us to use an advanced framework and helps to remove blacks from the outline. The final result would be creative. This screen helps us to create unique images that attract the viewers.

Even tone for skin
A smoothing algorithm included in the software enables to produce an even tone to the skin. This screen gives a younger look to the subject. The age spots are removed with the use of the software and may probe the clients to generate more copies.

Choice of frames
Green Screen Wizard Pro 9.0 offers varied framing choices which include the square, oval, heart and jagged. A color  or even an image can be used on the frame. It helps us to bring in our innovative ideas. A blur frame uses the background of the image as a source of the frame content.

Brings out a creative touch
A simple photograph can be made more creative by using the software effectively. Artistic texture helps to incorporate special effects resulting in stunning image outcomes. By using the latest version of Green Screen Wizard software, we can produce flattering effects.

Thursday 10 August 2017

REVIEW ON BACKDROPSOURCE

I was a nobody during my high school, had no goal or idea of what I will be in the next few years. I’m not the guy who knows which side his bread is being buttered and certainly it was quite a difficult climb. It was then I visited my Grandpa at Perth who inspired me through his photography skills to take up this interest.

Ordained as a photographer, I decided to set up my own studio. Gathered funds by selling my bike, cleared my garage and found a great space to begin. Getting ample space was an excellent start. Now I wanted to equip my work space with all the necessary essentials. My cousin Emma was about to get married in few days and I had started working on the studio quickly.

I had visited around the streets, equipment stores, specialist galleries but couldn’t find good quality equipments. It was my first investment for studio equipment and it was my desire to have the best quality at the most economical cost. My search led me to explore internet which provided with lots of information around photography. I came across plenty of websites which had lot to offer but couldn’t get a personal perspective from the photography experts.

There were few websites which had massive brand presence and content written about their products but for an amateur like me it was a non starter.
The prices mentioned were prohibitive and the products were also not matching my specifications of choice. These challenges led me to believe that photography was not a grandpa’s duck to be brought and reared. In the meanwhile my friend visited me at home who had been away for a few years in UK. He had completed a project in the past, shooting for jewelry photography in college. He was quick to recommend Backdropsource.co.uk as a single shop for photography and studio equipment.

I logged on to the web and searched for this site, to my amazement this same site was available as Backdropsource.com.au in Australia based out of Brisbane. I am located in the same state of Queensland, sunshine coast. I saw the phone numbers legibly mentioned on the header of Backdropsource site which in itself was thrilling. I dialed and was connected to a sweet soft spoken voice of a support executive, who courteously inquired about my requirements. I was a first time purchaser of studio and photography equipment and hence had lot of queries and doubts; the person was patient and responded to all my doubts earnestly. I had requested them for non standardised offering other than what Backdropsource have listed in their website; she took my custom request diligently and mentioned to call in sometime. I placed my order for one muslin background, lighting sets, support stands and LEDs.

My products arrived by next day. They were in excellent condition packaged neatly I quickly opened and installed the stand. It was a cake walk. I hung the backdrop over the stand through the rod pocket, set my soft box on the lighting stand and lit it by installing the bulb. The last to be opened were the LED lights, which were packed compactly with foam. All these installations transpired within 20 minutes. Thank you backdropsource for making me feel special and be a winner at the start.


Overwhelmed with “MY” first photography equipment kit, I was ecstatic with joy. My favourite product was the LED kit. I am totally in love with it as it made my day easy and comfortable during Emma’s pre-wedding shoot. We shot in enclosed areas and a lot outside too, the lights worked out so well that every picture was classy and memorable.

Thursday 3 August 2017

The Workaholic Muslin


Have you wondered what’s common among all astonishing photos on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook? They all have top notch unique backgrounds which makes each picture stand out. Let it be natural backgrounds like the sky, water body, trees, walls and buildings or artificial cotton backdrops. Backgrounds add flavour to the photo. Backdrops contribute an airy lovely texture to the photographs.

From long the backdrops have evolved and those in vogue are fashion muslins made of natural fiber fabric, subtle designs with smooth textures, variegated shades etc. Muslin is a woven fabric to deliver high quality finish. It is cost effective, seam-less and 100% cotton yarn. Fashion muslin are commonly for headshots, portraits, party photography, formal and casual photography.

Muslin is known as Jane Austen fabric because the material had been used for dressmaking and other special occasions. It is a one piece natural/ organic fabric with hand painted designs that can be used with different shades on both sides. Fashion muslin backdrops are rolled in large sizes without seam. The different colours, shades, subtle textures add interest and accentuate the subject. It absorbs light and rejects reflection.

Muslins are the Professional’s pet as they are flexible, portable and wrinkle resistant. Maximum usage and professional effect with minimum time and effort. Blue and Brown backdrops blend with nearly all kinds of clothes. To start with they’re perfect suggestions of professionals.

Hang vertically or drape the fashion backgrounds to create textures in photographs. Prominent wrinkles can be steamed for a clear effect. Fashion muslins can also be pattern-stamped, like retro-prints for fun, nostalgic look. Genealogically fashion backdrop is the sister of solid muslins. Perfect for all kinds of video productions, portraits and group photos (ceremonial, conventional, informal, casual).