How to Do a Chroma Key Monochromatic Screen
Chroma keying, which combines two images by removing the color from one image to display another image, is a dynamic tool if you are limited in production budget, or just want to add some special effects to a video or picture. A monochromatic screen suitable for chroma keying is not hard to make.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Matte, opaque, bright green or blue material
- Scissors
- Sewing machine or hot glue gun
- Thumb tacks
Instructions
-
-
1
Purchase enough matte and opaque material to cover your workspace. For chroma keying, you will want to use a solid color like bright green or bright blue, because these colors are not typically found in human skin tones.
-
2
Cut your fabric to fit the area you wish to use as a background, if necessary. Keep in mind your ultimate use for chroma key, and make your studio the size you will need. If you think you might expand your studio, purchase extra material so you will have the same color on hand when you expand.
-
-
3
Hem the edges of the material with a sewing machine or hot glue, if you wish. Hemming the edges isn't necessary unless you plan on shooting a sharp, clean edge for some effect. Typically, shooting chroma key is done without edges in the shot.
-
4
Attach your piece of material to a flat wall or the inside of a box to create your workspace. You can use thumb tacks to attach it to a wall temporarily, or you can attach the material to any number of surfaces. You're ready to shoot.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
If you are shooting plants or objects with bright green or blue colors, you will need to use a color that is not present in the object you are shooting. Some people wish to shoot with a white background, but this color can only be used as a background, and not for chroma keying objects with white in them.
References
- Photo Credit valentine's day gifts image by MAXFX from Fotolia.com
