Digital Backdrops

[Nekrose]

I was just wondering what everybody's view was on using digital backdrops. I am looking to buy a backdrop for some studio work, and I was wondering if anybody had experience with the digital ones. I think it looks pretty interesting.

[Jim Poor]

They can look nice when done right. However, comma, getting it right is a lot harder than one would think. Even with great masking and extraction of subject, there is also the issue of matching lighting to the new background, which is a science all on its own.

Originally Posted by Nekrose

I was just wondering what everybody's view was on using digital backdrops. I am looking to buy a backdrop for some studio work, and I was wondering if anybody had experience with the digital ones. I think it looks pretty interesting.

[BigFuzzy]

Well said Jim.

When done well, it's fine, when done poorly, it really ruins the image in my opinion.

Try it sometime, post here, and let us have at it! I'll be nice, promise*



*Al's definition of 'nice' differs from normal humans

[Woody]

Hello All,

The below forum may be of assistance.

Digital Props? Good or Bad? Where to find?

Cheers

John W

[Nekrose]

Originally Posted by Woody

Hello All,

The below forum may be of assistance.

Digital Props? Good or Bad? Where to find?

Cheers

John W

I saw that thread, but it didn't help me out too much. They got a tad bit off topic

[Nekrose]

Originally Posted by Jim Poor

They can look nice when done right. However, comma, getting it right is a lot harder than one would think. Even with great masking and extraction of subject, there is also the issue of matching lighting to the new background, which is a science all on its own.

That is what I am worried about. I have heard bad things about the lighting being off due to shadows, or lack thereof.

[Car2n]

I think was he is refering to is matching the light on the subject with that which is in the background (if the background has light).
For example, you light your subject from the left but the background has light coming from the right.
It's mostly outdoors/nature backgrounds that may be problematic as most computer generated backgrounds don't have lights.
You do want to light your subject and backdrop seperately when shooting.