Green Screen Photography is quickly gaining popularity, especially with small studio owners who want to offer an innovative product that larger photography studios do not want to provide. These small businesses can use green screening, or chroma keying, to get an edge over their competition. And the studio can increase their customer base by branching out into the niche market of fantasy photography.
First, there is a "sword and sorcery" fantasy niche. Some examples in this category include novels and movies like "Lord of the Rings" and role-based games such as "Dungeons and Dragons." These pictures are shot with the client in an authentic costume, posed in front of the green screen with a suitable weapon, such as a bow and arrow, sword, or wand. Then the photographer adds an appropriate digital background, such as a sensational nature scene or one featuring period architecture, such as a castle. Note: Affix a piece of nylon over the camera lens with a rubber band if the client desires a muted, mystical feel. That trick will instantly add softness and a sense of mystery.
Science fiction is another well-known fantasy niche. "Babylon Five," "Star Trek," and "Star Wars" are some of the common themes in this genre. But it also includes steam punk (a Victorian era character who uses steam to power today's technology) and the time and inter-dimensional travel character of "Dr. Who." 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. Great ideas for pictures would include replicating Star Trek's observation deck by shooting a large window with a field of stars behind it or imitating the cantina in Ten-Forward (by making the background a modern bar). 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. The photos feature fairies and other creatures found in these stories. Magical landscapes that relay an air of mystery and a bit of mischief work well for this genre. Don't assume that the fairy tale category only applies to young children or cos-players. Female high school seniors also enjoy these photo settings. For example, you can take the photo with your subject in their prom dress and use the mystical background. The result is that your client receives memories that are joyful and magical.
The final niche, which overlaps the others but is also one on its own, is known as video game cos-play and Anime. Ideal areas for these photos would include an indoor or outdoor Asian-inspired area and decrepit locales, such as an abandoned warehouse or remnants of a old civilization.
The most important factor to remember when you take a fantasy picture is that, no matter how odd or extravagant the costume is, and no matter where the setting is supposed to be, if you can make the photo realistic, your client will return to you time and time again.
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