Green Screen Photography is gaining more and more in popularity, especially among small photography studios that wish to bring something new and innovative to their business – something that the large corporate photography studios don’t even bother with. These small businesses can use green screening, or chroma keying, to get an edge over their competition. But to go a step further, specializing in the fantasy photography niche can also separate you from the vast photography crowd.
To begin with, there is the fantasy niche known as “sword and sorcery”. Some examples in this category include novels and movies like “Lord of the Rings” and role-based games such as “Dungeons and Dragons.” To shoot these fantasy-theme photos, pose the client dressed in a period costume in front of a green screen, holding a “weapon” or prop such as a sword, bow and arrow, or a magic wand. Then the photographer adds an appropriate digital background, such as a sensational nature scene or one featuring period architecture, such as a castle. And here’s a tip: If the client wants to come across in the photo with a soft, mystical look, fasten a piece of nylon to your camera lens with a rubber band. That trick will instantly add softness and a sense of mystery.
Science fiction is another widely used fantasy-theme choice. Common settings for this genre would come from Star Trek, Star Wars and Babylon Five. Some interesting choices in this genre would come from Dr. Who, a show that crosses times and dimensions, and steam punk, in which Victorian-era characters operate modern technology. This niche includes thousands of people who love to put on a costume as often as they can (known as “cos-players”) and revel in being photographed. Some ideas for amazing pictures would be: For space travel – like Star Trek – think the observation deck (a large window with a star field behind it) or Ten-Forward cantina (shoot a modern bar for the background). Use the interior of an old Victorian house for a steam punk shot.
A niche that is related to the first two, yet deserves a distinct category, is fairy tales. These are the pictures of fairy folk and other gentle creatures. For these use mystical landscapes that give a sense of mystery with just a hint of mischief in store. Remember, the fairy tale scenes aren’t just for children or costumed characters. Female high school seniors also enjoy these photo settings. Think about shooting portraits of them in their prom dresses, standing in front of this mystical backdrop. This ensures you provide them with instant magic and joyful memories.
The final niche, which overlaps the others but is also one on its own, is known as video game cos-play and Anime. For these types of photos, look into a lot of Asian inspired locations (both interior and exterior) as well as dilapidated locations such as an old warehouse or the remains of an ancient civilization.
The most important thing to keep in mind when shooting fantasy photos is that regardless of the strange, outlandish costumes you may use, and regardless of the odd locations your clients want you to create, if you can produce a believable photo you will have plenty of eager clients for many years to come.
