Green Screen Photography is gaining more and more in popularity, especially among small photography studios that wish to bring something new and innovative to their business - something that the large corporate photography studios don’t even bother with. Green screening, also called chroma keying, is the type of innovative technique that can give a small studio the critical edge needed to smother the competition.  Moreover, if your studio can carve out a niche with a specialty such as fantasy photography, you’ll stand out in the vast photography field.  

In the world of green screen photography, there is the fantasy-theme option known as “sword and sorcery.” Some examples include the role playing game “Dungeons And Dragons” and stories such as the “Lord Of The Rings”. To shoot these fantasy-theme photos, pose the client dressed in a period costume in front of a green screen, holding a “weapon” or prop such as a sword, bow and arrow, or a magic wand. Then, add digital background scenery such as breathtaking views of nature or ancient architectural structures — especially castles. Tip: If the client wants to have that soft mystical look, take a piece of nylon and strap it to your camera lens with a rubber band. That trick will instantly add softness and a sense of mystery.

Science fiction is another widely used fantasy-theme choice. Common settings for this genre would come from Star Trek, Star Wars and Babylon Five. 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 particular niche come complete with thousands of costumed characters who are eager to be photographed. Some ideas for amazing pictures would be: For space travel - like Star Trek - think the observation deck (a large window with a star field behind it) or Ten-Forward cantina (shoot a modern bar for the background). Steam punk photos could be shot using interiors of Victorian homes.

A niche that is related to the first two, yet deserves a distinct category, is fairy tales. Fairies and other gentle creatures are the stars of these photos.  Magical landscapes that relay an air of mystery and a bit of mischief work well for this genre. However, don’t think that fairy tales are only for small children, nor only for cos-players. There’s another unique group who love these particular photos: high school senior girls. Think about shooting portraits of them in their prom dresses, standing in front of this mystical backdrop. The result is that your client receives memories that are joyful and magical.

Finally, the last niche which can fit inside of all of these, yet also is all by itself, is that known as Anime and video game cos-play. 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 thing to keep in mind when shooting fantasy photos is that regardless of the strange, outlandish costumes you may use, and regardless of the odd locations your clients want you to create, if you can produce a believable photo you will have plenty of eager clients for many years to come.

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