Effective Use of Chroma Green

The process in which a particular colour aspect is replaced by another on a video is called the chroma keying. It is used for background replacement on videos

Essential elements for a chroma key

Choice of Screen

Initially the chromakeying was done in blue whereas now it is used in green color. This is because green screen require less light to enlighten the surroundings. In the past, the main color for chromakeying was blue. Beginning in the late 1970s, there was a slow industry flip-over to green-colored screens for chroma. A person's skin tone however doesn't have an impact on the either of the colors. But the color of dress has an impact.

Fine tuning

The chroma effect play a major role in editing the videos. For a thriving effect, it is essential to to provide a even lighting for the background and the object should be placed far from the background. This eases the editing work.

Influence Digital effects

Nowadays, with the availability of the video backing tracks, we can take the digital backgrounds from it and key it. This provies stunning rich effects for the videos. This is much cheaper and replaces the bulky light effects

Professional results

A background evenly lighted and perfectly placed works wonders. The green screen strikes the true quality and keys the object. An effective use gives a professional look even for a simple video

Determine the room available

Ensure that the object is far placed from the screen to avoid shadows collapse the screen. For a smaller picture, no much area is required. But a full picture requires a larger area. Outdoors shoots can be done considering other influencing factors like breeze, sound, etc.

Type of Screen

Foremost we have to decide are we going to use a green or a blue screen. Green is used for digital effects and requires less light than blue color. But still blue can be used where green is inappropriate. A foam backed cloth helps to spread the light uniformly and can be stores with ease as its wrinkle free. Also foldable chroma suitable for outdoor shoots are available.

Type of Camera

The type of camerra that is been used has a great influence to the green screen. A HD camera gives good results coping up with the key since the pixels are smaller. A camera with lesser color compression doesn't match with the chroma.

Final Touch

Even after the task completion, if the chroma effects are not eye catching, the after effcts can be done using the software. Using this we can remove the unwanted effects on the object.

When we have a good key, our skill lies in the manner of setting up the object as per the background and matching the color. On a whole, effective lighting effects will give good outcome. The skill of good chroma can be obtained only with professional experience. By taking into consideration the above factors, the chroma key would give ultimate results.

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).

Backdrop fabric artwork printing in Australia

I endeavor to shoot photos that tell its story in one glance has led me to explore for more distinct, abstract, monolithic, historical, vintage, lively, rocking, grunge, mottled, motif, mural backgrounds. My zeal has led me to explore different environments, travel places, live in different cultures, learn new traditions. There are many images that remain in your imagination from your vivid experiences of life and others that can be captured with your lens for a picturesque memory. Mostly I get vicarious liberation by using the photography props and studio gears presently available. I always desired of using my perfectly shot images as backdrops for my many different theme shoots. This urge has let me to keep the curiosity growing. The available backdrops seal the deal for standard photo shoots, passport id shots, visa photographs, portraiture. I desire to do more for that photographic shot and exploration has led me to backdropsource.

The site offers a stupendous collection of photo images from different genres of birthday, wedding, sports, festival, fire lighting, easter, party etc. that can be chosen and edited to suit specific theme requirements. The artwork for print is created using the images and the designers offer their services at no charge, which is remarkable. I have got 3 images edited for my wedding photography and printed them on polyester and vinyl fabric with matte finish. There are many other fabric to choose from based on the dimensions, print colour quality, output image resolution, studio usage.

I received my printed backdrops delivered after 5 days to Sydney. The finish of the product was impeccable. The vinyl printed backdrop were of size 20ft x 30ft that was delivered to me as a roll with the width folded thrice at 7 feet. The backdrop when spread open has few lines due to transit packaging. I was advised by the backdropsource support to expose the backdrop in sun for an hour and stretch it even on the support structure. After following through the processes I was very impressed with my final output background. It immensely impressed my clients who received accolades for my photography acumen. In all, those party to the event had a wonderful time and created lots of memories for posterity. I did special bride and groom shoot with solo and couple photos on the polyester printed backdrop with size 5ft x 8ft. The polyester backdrop is very easy to setup on a stand and it can be easily folded and stored in a bag. There is no hassle on reuse as it doesn't crease when using at different locations.

There are different fabrics to choose from like vinyl, canvas, polyester etc. These fabrics have different properties and I choose them based on my usage for a specific photo shoot. There are multiple fabrics available to be used as photography backdrops or studio backgrounds for fashion photos, wedding shoot, group photography, family portraits etc. The major types are muslin, seamless paper, vinyl, fashion muslin, solid colours.

There are different studio lights, reflectors, softboxes, diffusers to provide with a wonderful lighting effect for professional photography. All these make my photos stand out all the time and provide a competitive advantage.

High Dynamic Range Photography tips

Of late, HDR (High Dynamic Range) photography is one of the latest trends that is catching up fast with many photographers. The human eye is more powerful when it comes to the range of exposures it can see in a frame. The digital cameras that we get in the market cannot do that there is a limitation at the exposure levels that it can capture. To overcome this limitation, software developers have come up with some awesome tools to use pictures taken at different exposures and merge them to make one picture with a wide range of exposure values.

The fact that every photography website or magazine features HDR tips and tutorials is testimony to the growing popularity of HDR. After the introduction of HDR in iPhone 4, it is suffice to say that the craze for HDR has only increased. HDR is an advanced technique that allows a greater range of luminance between the brightest and darkest areas of a picture. This is considered unique because it is very advanced than current imaging techniques and it truly adds great amount of detail to the photograph. In other words, HDR imaging is pushing digital photography beyond boundaries that we are used to.

High dynamic ranging photographs are achieved by capturing multiple photographs, using a feature called exposure bracketing, where photographs will be captured in increasing order of exposure (measured in terms of stops). These images are later merged together to create a single HDR image. One of the advantages of a HDR image is that any digital camera that allows manual control of exposure can be used to create a HDR image.
Alright now that we have dealt in detail on what the HDR technique is all about, let’s get into it, along with some tips to go along with it.
1 . Although there is no prescribed limit on the number of exposures used to generate an HDR image, 3 to 5 exposures is optimal to generate a good HDR image.
2. Set your camera in Aperture Priority mode or Manual Exposure mode so that you don’t get varying depths of field that might not produce the desired output.
3. Keep your ISO at a minimum to reduce the noise in the merged pictures.
4. Start with an exposure of-2EV and then increase it by 1. Now you’ll have five frames of the same image ( -2 EV ,-1 EV ,0,+1 EV ,+2 EV ) under different exposures.

5. Try to use the auto exposure bracket function in the camera. Some cameras that come with the auto–bracketing feature allow up to 3 exposures.
6. Most importantly, use a sturdy and steady tripod, to avoid shakes and to get a clean image. After the pictures are ready, the next step is finalizing a tool that can be used to merge these pictures. Photoshop and Photomatix Pro or HDR Soft are couple of the popular software tools available. If you have trouble deciding between the 2, you can get the 30 day trail package of both these applications and decide based on what you feel more comfortable with.
The last part of the process is the merging of the photographs into a single HDR image. If you have Photomatix, just use that. If not, you can use the ‘Merge to HDR’ option in Photoshop (File–> Automate –> Merge to HDR pro) that allows you to select multiple images and merge them into a single file.

How to focus the lights on subject and backdrops

Lighting is a vital component for a thriving portrait. Light brings in the quality, feel and the pleasing ambience for any photo shoot. So it is essential to use the light appropriately to get quality portraits. It enhances the colour vibrancy and glows on our subject. By eventually dispersing lights, we can portrait amazingly. Let's now consider the role of light in photography: 

 Placing the light:

The light falling on the subject depends on the basis from where it is positioned. The light behind the camera facing the subject gives a flat lighting and casts shadows on the background. A side view shows the shape of the subject clearly and shadows produced gives a spectacular look. Light positioned behind the subject hits it directly and casts a bright image

Influential Light:

Light can be diffused using a softbox, umbrella and in many other ways. This helps to lessen the glow and narrow shadows cast. It produces a natural look to the environment and
Control the Light. We can make the light highlight a particular portion of the subject using the reflectors and diffusers. Reflectors help to highlight a particular portion of the subject and a spot light is used to control the direction of the light.

Wide light:

Wide light source spills delicate light. When the light source is wide, it reduces the shadows, contrast and kerbs the consistency. As the light strikes the subject from all directions, it is delicate and enlightens the portrait. On the other hand, a slender light source emits hard light. An additional effect is when positioning the subject near a large window, where no sunlight is visible. It overcomes the role of a softbox and produces a fantastic outcome.

Delicate light:

Delicate light spilts when it is placed closer. When the light source is placed closer, the light widens and spills delicate light. Whereas when it is placed far from the subject, the light is harder. So for indoor shots, the lights have to be placed closer to a pleasing result.

Diffuser:

Diffuser helps to gain soft light. A softbox helps to prevent the harsh light hitting the subject. Any substance such as a transparent plastic or white cloth can be used to spread out the harsh light hitting the subject. A strobe can also be used to diffuse the light.

A bounce effect spills soft light. When a hard light is hit on a wall or a ceiling, it reflects and diffuses a soft light on the subject. For a sparking effect, a mirror or a shiny material can be used as reflectors.

Flashlight:

Flash light is used for the harsh lights. When the light source is placed far from the subject, only a meagre portion of the light gets emitted on the subject and gives a dull look. A camera flash can be used to light up the subject when exposed to harsh sunlight.

Distance between the subject and background
For a background to appear bright on our shoot, ensure that the light is placed at an appropriate distance from the subject. This is applicable for side lights too

Highlights the quality

Front lighting doesn't improve the quality of the portrait like lights from below and sides. We have to consider the angle of positioning to get a quality

Colour temperature of lights.

Even white colour lights can appear to be in color, and this is called color temperature. The color of the light may vary depending on the time of the day. In the case of indoor shooting with tungsten light, the color will be yellow. The color of the surface where the light hits can influence the subject when it gets bounced. In digital cameras, white balance control is used to influence or neutralise the effect.
Lighting effects are the main component that can add beauty to the portrait or can ruin the entire photo shoot. The art of using the light makes ultimate photography. That makes him as unique and a professional photographer.

5 Tips to Epic Product Photography

Our world has become digital we have to keep pace with the new trends by interacting, learning, socializing on the internet. 

Selling of products online is an art which is being discovered and reinvented daily.

There are a number of things which are paramount to list your product category with the search engines. 

 High resolution eye-catching images, you need to have good photographs of your products. Here are a few in this article we are sharing 5 tips based on an experience of being an ecommerce retailer. rare tips to obtain appealing product photographs.

1. Separate your subject - Use a solid colour black or white backdrop to highlight your subject in front. This tugs the observer’s focus towards the subject. Black or white backgrounds always work great and they come in different sizes.

2. Soften your lighting: Know to difference between hard and soft lighting and a

lways use soft lights for product photography. This enhances your subject and gives it a posh look. Softbox or Umbrellas work amazing to even and soften lights for photographs.

3. Keep your pictures distinct. Use the lowest possible ISO, center your subject and stage your camera on a tripod to click the sharpest photographs.

4. Try uncommon angles to give different perspectives of the same subject. Work on the photograph, crop or rotate them and look for interesting compositions.

5. Depth of field is your strength. If you would like to highlight a specific portion of the product use a shallow depth of field and make the rest blurry. If you want the observer to focus on the entire product use wider depth of field.

Follow these epic steps to steal some amazing product photographs. Have fun clicking.

Make the Ambient Light work for you

The world is becoming more connected and digital. The conventional ways of retail shopping are being replaced by e-commerce. Product photography of all products to be displayed electronically or digitally requires more innovative and creature approaches. The customer/buyer needs to have a real life experience when purchasing over the Internet. This renewed demand for enhanced and lively photography has asked for development of new products.

I am Sam and Jewellery designing turned to be my interest on a Christmas day when my girlfriend gifted me a chain made out of a rope with wooden trinket. The pictures that we took together the same day were so amazing that each time I looked at the picture; it was the chain that gained eye falls. Inspired by the little piece of rope, I started making trinkets for my girlfriend and gradually got involved into it.

Creative new designs amazed her and so to add feather to my cap got into designing jewellery. Developed my interest as my hobby and converted hobby as my passion and streamed my passion as my profession. Set up my own design studio extended with the petty showroom to which Kids, Students, Young and middle-aged women started visiting each day to buy my masterpieces. Made a good living with the sale each day but I knew that I am up for a larger number of audiences.

Gathering up courage I started my own online store to promote my business. I wanted professional photos of my products and hired a photo hobbyist to economize my expenses. Unfortunately none of the photos were up to the standard. In fact the jewellery looked dull on the photograph. Deeply worried started searching the Internet. I wanted to acquire new skills on photography which would enable me to shoot my jewellery and upload it on my website.

Initial learning made me understand that lighting plays a major part in product photography. I shot my trinkets, key chains, earrings, bracelets, necklaces by placing them on a table with two focus lights on them. The approach was self-defined but the result was not to my expectations. Further due diligence led me to understand that there are product photography kits available in the market which could solve my challenge. The product photography kit comprises of light tent (product photography box), acrylic risers, fluorescent bulb reflectors, light stands. I searched and got a wonderful website Backdropsource. This website all studio equipment were listed with informative details. 

I had doubts on the size of the reflector and the timeline in which it would reach me, for which made a call to the customer support and the deal was done. I got my delivery next day and started shooting my jewellery to achieve unblemished crystal clear photos.

The translucent tent makes the most out of the ambient light by spreading it evenly. The sides of the tent are white and will convert any other colour light to white for best effect. I shot my jewellery, Ornaments and Watches. The light cube or light tent is open on one side for the placement of camera apart from base on which the object is placed; the other four sides have additional lighting for brightness. This is achieved by placing one small reflector either sides of the light tent. To increase the brightness an additional reflector maybe placed adjacent to the camera. Now I have also learnt to use natural light more effectively whereby you can place your product photography kit near to a window where outside light could soften to add more brightness.

The resultant outcome by using Backdropsource Product Photography kit was marvelous. The digital images were an instant hit after I uploaded them on my website. The sales are amazing and I am planning to incorporate more products as I have become an exponent with product photography.

Backdropsource offers Product photography kit and other studio accessories in a very customer friendly engagement which is value for money.