Green Screen Photography: Technique

Upon first glance green screen photography may seem intimidating. In reality it is an amazing photography technique that is accessible to anyone with a few simple supplies. Green screen photography is not incredibly complicated and only requires you follow a few guidelines.
In order to practice green screen photography yourself you will need:
Background material.

This is where the green screen comes in. You will need a fabric or solid painted surface that is as close to the chroma green used in green screen photography. An exact match is not necessary as long as the color is as light and bright as possible, but it is best to get a highly saturated chroma green if possible.

A subject.

Just ensure that your subject is not wearing any color close to that of the screen in the background

Lighting.

Clearly lighting your background is very important in green screen photography. It may take time to perfect but the ideal lighting situation would provide an even lighting on the background with minimum reflection or spill over onto your subject.

A camera.

The key to the whole technique. Any type of digital camera is OK as long as you have the capability to transfer the pictures to your computer.

Computer and software.

Many photo-editing software packages will allow you to composite images for green screen photography.

Once all of the materials are in place it is time to set everything up. What follows is an overview of the process.
Set up your green screen background.

The smoother the better. If you are using fabric make sure there are no wrinkles and if you are using a hard painted surface make sure you have an even coat.

Position your subject.

Make sure that the subject’s position is appropriate for the background in the final composite image.

Frame your shot.

Make sure the perspective of the picture of the subject matches the orientation of the desired final image.

Lighting.

Make sure you have even and appropriate lighting. Try to avoid spill over lighting onto your subject.

Shoot the picture.

Take lots of pictures and make changes in lighting. Give yourself plenty of options to post process.

Import your pictures.

Green screen photography is not possible without a computer so that is where your pictures need to be.

Replace your background.

Now it is possible to change the background of your image with the help of the photo editing software.

Make adjustments.

Use the tools available in your software to make any sort of adjustments you need to make in your photo.

The most important thing to remember when following the processes in green screen photography is that it will take time and practice to perfect these methods. Don’t be afraid to try new things and to adjust each element as you see fit for your project. Nothing is set in stone, just have fun and before you know it you will be a pro and enjoying green screen photography.

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