Shallow depth of field in POST

D

Dingles

Active member
http://www.vimeo.com/1314925

I've been playing with two techniques to create depth of field in post (After Effects). Above is a sample of one of the techniques utilizing track mattes, motion tracking, and expressions to create a rack focus effect. The plus side about this technique is it really doesn't add much to rendering time. The other technique i am working on produces more dynamic results, but you take a huge rendering hit. This technique utilizes motion tracking, custom depth maps, and the lens blur filter.

footage above was shot with HVX200.
 
The rack focus looked nice!

Just checked out your site. Looking forward to the tutorials for DOF in AE.

Keep up the good work.

-manymoosh
 
Yeah I've seen that...this isn't the same technique. On Video Co-pilot Andrew uses depth map with the lens blur effect...which also works well but offers different results and different control.
 
Here is a new test I feel is superior to the previous ones. This is using the masking techniques connect to expression sliders, but I used a matte choker to soften and blend the blurred edges...I'm very pleased with the results! I will work out a video tutorial when time permits.

http://vimeo.com/1429706
 
Fairly well done, not bad. I should point out that a tracked depth map is not a new technique.

It has limitations such as very complex shapes (i.e would require a lot of effort to make maps for these) and also Moving boundaries (eg people characters, as the maps would have to be animated, even more time).
 
Thank you. I did not use a depth matte for the last technique and never said it was a new technique. I find them most useful when working with 3D brought into AfterEffects where I can render a depth matte seperatly...I have tested custom depth mattes, but have abandoned them for reasons you stated and I find I can get more control with masking, blurs, expressions, and expression controls.
 
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