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Wait! What! I just can't JJ Abrams the Crap Out of my Shot!
One of the most common lensing effects that students use in their comps is Lens Dirt. In this Screening Session with Alison last October, Elmoatasem pointed out some sections in Alison's shot that looked like lens dirt, sparking a discussion on its use and logic in compositing. It's a nuanced detail, but it can make or break the realism of a shot.
Elmoatasem explained the logic behind lens dirt: it's usually the result of light leaking into the lens and illuminating dirt on it. This means its appearance and intensity should logically change with the light levels in the shot. In Alison's work, where the light changes as the camera gets closer to bright screens, consistent lens dirt doesn't quite make sense.
It looks more like a mistake rather than a deliberate effect. The key here is realism and understanding how light interacts with the camera lens in real life.
If lens dirt is to be added, Elmoatasem suggests doing it when the light gets brighter, closer to the screen. Even then, it should be subtle. In the context of Alison's shot, where the primary light source is screen burn-in, adding prominent lens dirt might not even be realistic. It's a careful balance โ adding cool effects without compromising believability.
This is what screening is all about at Alpha Chromatica. It's not just about applying lensing effects but understanding their logical application and impact on the overall scene. You don't just get notes, our mentors take the time to explain why something is off. Which is why these sessions are several hours long! Thankfully they are recorded so that students can refer back to their discussions.
In photoreal comp, every detail counts, and it's the thoughtful, logical application of these details that transforms a good shot into a great one.