Want to Learn Green Screen Software Tricks

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30 November 2009

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Taking professional portraits of children has it’s own innate problems, not the least of which is keeping a child’s attention long enough to get that winning shot. But there is some other pressing issues which most photographers don’t even realize that they are experiencing. Such problems include, in no consecutive sequence: making a picture that is unable to keep the viewer’s interest, having a child that doesn’t fit with the backdrop of the shot, or producing a dull photo that feel particularly monotonous. All three of these problems can plague even the most professional photographer at times, and this article strives to help them to be problems no longer.

To begin with, when using a photographed background, such as a professional printed backdrop, people who view the end result can at times see that it was faked. This is generally a minor problem, although there are times when everyone must deal with these fusspots. One way to combat this is to use simple props. As opposed to using a muslin or printed backdrop at the start, think about using a green screen as an alternative. With a green screen and inexpensive chroma key software it’s much easier to use a digital photograph which you can position just right instead of trying to get just the right angle with the printed cloth.

Now with the child standing or sitting in front of the chroma key screen, add in a prop or two that can add to the illusion that the child is really there. For instance, for a celebration like Christmas, have the child hold a brightly wrapped gift box. Or if the child is being shot as if on the beach, have them wear a swimsuit and then wrap themselves with a towel. The key here is to try and add in something that would be natural to the scene. If the prop(s) are paired properly with the digital backgrounds chosen, it will be much easier to fool the eyes of the viewer.

Now another benefit to adding in props such as these is that they can help to engage the viewer. Think about it: which of these two pictures would look more interesting to you? A picture of a child wearing a nice suit standing in front of a background of the Star of David, or one where it’s a three-quarter view of the child wearing his yamulkah and he’s lighting a menorah for Hanukkah? The first photograph provides thorough perception while the last one is far more captivating and enjoyable in viewing.

However, there is a story in each of these photos. A baby laying on a blanket is cute, but add in a background of a grassy field and you’ve got a nature spirit. Take the baby and lay her in her mother’s arms, with the same green meadow, and now you have a gentle spirit sleeping with Mom. Don’t forget to use props along with the green screen method, as this will make your setting seem more empathic and emotional, thus connecting more strongly with your viewers. Start today by finding out more about green screen software.