Nikon Digital Camera Blog

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 known as chroma keying, is often the perfect edge that a small studio can use to blow the competition out of the water. But to go a step further, specializing in the fantasy photography niche can also separate you from the vast photography crowd.

To begin with, there is the fantasy niche 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, use digital backgrounds such as stunning nature scenes and old architecture (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. “Babylon Five,” “Star Trek,” and “Star Wars” are some of the common themes in this genre.
Some interesting choices in this genre would come from Dr. Who, a show that crosses times and dimensions, and steam punk, in which Victorian-era characters operate modern technology. Inside of this niche there are thousands of cos-players (those who enjoy putting on a costume whenever they can) who adore having their picture taken. 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). Use the interior of an old Victorian house for a steam punk shot.

Yet another category that can combine elements of the first two is that of 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. 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. Consider shooting their portrait with them in their prom dress, but then placing them in this mystical land. This ensures you provide them with instant magic and joyful memories.

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.