CompuServe Messages

> Have you had much experience doing that? Any tips? < I've done a few. Lots of things can improve the quality of the finished image, here are a few off the top of my head. 1) Use a still image for simplicity -or- make sure the video camera is fixed tightly so it does not drift. Compositing over video looks better because it adds a degree of realism. Leaves fluttering and passing cars look more realistic that a static capture. (Unless the finished product will be a print, in that case go with film.) 2) Record the camera's postion and the target's postition (and orientation) to the best of your ability. This will be very helpfull in making adjustments for matching perspective. A transit, a 50' tape measure, and an assistant are handy addtitions. 3) Try to estimate the suns postion as a compound angle from the target. You can do this by placing a pole next the the target and measuring the angle, drection, and distance of the shadow from the pole. With a little trigonometry you can back-figure the sun's angle. This will aid in matching lighting. (In you're case, be sure to pick a billboard that faces the sun, so that the sun is to your back when shooting.) 4) Take more than one picture to obtain the best scan. If practical, take pictures from various vantages: 2D images always seem to look different than they did when you were looking though the camera. Having choices during the composition phaze is a plus. 5) If you're not a pro videographer or photographer, hire one. It will make a difference in the end product. 6) Expend your effort in proportion to your budget. The project may not warrent all the efforts I've described above. Well, I'm sure there's something I missed, but this will give you a good start. Experiment, take notes, and have fun!! — James — Choreo Motion —