Wrestling Team Poster: Part 2 – Chroma Key Cutouts
This is the continuation from Part 1 of the wrestling team poster project done using a green screen. In part one, I explained how I used a green screen to put together a team picture.
The next stage was to provide some sample background images to be selected for the final poster. I submitted for review, ten different images, from pastures to buildings, for potential candidates for the final poster. Coach Watson and his staff settled on the stormy clouds version. In addition, he let me know that one of the original wrestlers has transferred to another school and would need to be removed. With the removal of that wrestler, I then rearranged the other guys to balance it out.
Coach Watson wondered if I could add a bolt of lighting to the sky. I played around with Photoshop after Googling for help inspiration and technique from others. I personally like the poster without the lightning, but the coaches loved it, and wanted it included.
The final step was to add the text, and get the final OK. Once approved, it was time to send the final image to the lab to print the posters.
This was a fun learning experience, and would gladly accept another project that could utilize the green screen.
In fact, I am going to start utilizing this technique for doing T&I (team and individual). No more ugly bleachers or gym stages in the backgrounds. Another benefit is that there is no need for everyone to wait around for the entire team to show up — I’m sure the parents will appreciate that aspect.
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James Broome said,
July 30, 2008 at 9:27 pm
Yo Gatorboy! I’d say “well done!”
This is exactly the type of project that benefits from careful execution of chroma-key. I’d say you nailed it.
I’m glad my posts on FM helped.
Eric said,
September 24, 2008 at 8:22 pm
This project turned out very well. I like this technique. Thanks for the post. By the way, I like the lightning version also.
Curt said,
March 12, 2009 at 5:33 pm
Awesome poster guys! Are you a high school wrestling team? Where are you located?
Dave said,
March 13, 2009 at 2:08 am
This is the John Carroll Wrestling team. It’s a high school located in Bel Air, MD.
Brent said,
April 2, 2009 at 12:53 pm
Did you take 3 shots of each wrestler all with the same lighting? (left, right, front) I didn’t know if you predetermined the positions or took 3 shots of each to choose from.
Awesome poster!
Dave said,
April 2, 2009 at 1:20 pm
Brent,
Yes, I had the lighting setup and had each wrestler make several poses. I had no idea how I would arrange them until I got back to the computer.
Merv said,
April 2, 2009 at 2:03 pm
Nice work Dave,
I’ve used green screen for event stuff, but never thought of using it to solve the problem of being able to do team photos with only part of a team available at a time. That’s going to make life good!
Thanks!
Merv.
pat said,
April 10, 2009 at 1:47 pm
Just viewed your group shot of the high school wrestling team, and love it…..But really the best part is yourexplanation and teaching ability…..Thank you….But, what camera and lens are you using to get such sharp images?
thanks for sharing your experience.
pat