After Effects Filters? at DVinfo.net

Alan James · October 23rd, 2006, 09:33 AM

In After Effects 7 Pro what blending mode should I use to simulate a filter on my lens? I am too cheap to buy any and I like keeping my options open until post. If its not as simple as just using a color solid and applying a blending mode to it then can someone please tell me what is the best way to do this simulation.

Nick Jushchyshyn · October 23rd, 2006, 12:12 PM

There are many many many ways to simulate filters, though (especially when shooting digital) it's often a good idea to try and shoot with the actual filters in the field rather than apply effects in post, since (unless you captured in something like cineon or OpenEXR) your adjustmenst are limited by the dynamic range of your digital files.

A post-processing filter will not be able to recover data lost in area of the frame that are over-bright, but an ND or polarizing filter on your camera can often help bring these areas into the capturable range.

To simulate color filters, a color or gradient layer with Multiply mode is certainly one approach.
You can also use the various channel and color adjustment effects (curves, levels, etc) directly on an existing layer if you like.

Good luck.

October 23rd, 2006, 09:33 AM	#1
Alan James Regular Crew Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Tampa, Florida Posts: 261	After Effects Filters? In After Effects 7 Pro what blending mode should I use to simulate a filter on my lens? I am too cheap to buy any and I like keeping my options open until post. If its not as simple as just using a color solid and applying a blending mode to it then can someone please tell me what is the best way to do this simulation.

October 23rd, 2006, 12:12 PM	#2
Nick Jushchyshyn Major Player Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Philadelphia, PA, USA Posts: 548	There are many many many ways to simulate filters, though (especially when shooting digital) it's often a good idea to try and shoot with the actual filters in the field rather than apply effects in post, since (unless you captured in something like cineon or OpenEXR) your adjustmenst are limited by the dynamic range of your digital files. A post-processing filter will not be able to recover data lost in area of the frame that are over-bright, but an ND or polarizing filter on your camera can often help bring these areas into the capturable range. To simulate color filters, a color or gradient layer with Multiply mode is certainly one approach. You can also use the various channel and color adjustment effects (curves, levels, etc) directly on an existing layer if you like. Good luck. __________________ Nick Jushchyshyn Matchmoving, Compositing, TD imdb