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Distorting Nature in After Effects

by Evan Clarke James

In this After Effects tutorial, we'll look at compositing elements that weren't created in a computer or shot in a carefully controlled studio. Software required: Adobe After Effects CC 2015.

What you'll learn

In this After Effects tutorial, we'll look at compositing elements that weren't created in a computer or shot in a carefully controlled studio. When combining these natural elements together, you'll have to distort them to match each other. We'll start off by evaluating our footage, setting up the shot and planning how to integrate the elements together. Then we'll use 3D space and a reference plane to simulate the natural phenomenon of linear perspective as we animate the swan swimming down the canal. After careful study of reference footage, we'll use a radio waves effect and a displacement map to distort the water of the canal to add ripples behind our swan. Then we'll and go on to simulate the effect of the sun's light on these ripples by adding shadows and highlights. We'll color correct the swan using curves and an edge matte to match the contrast of the swan with the natural environment. Finally, we'll add a reflection of the swan on the canal and distort this reflection with the ripple effect to match the ripples in the water. By the end of this After Effects training, you'll be able to better integrate naturally shot elements together in your own projects. Software required: Adobe After Effects CC 2015.

About the author

Feeding his obsession with film making since he was 13 years old, Evan has built a mountain of industry experience from working on things like 300, Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow, and South Park. Before that, he fed his obsession by devoting his time to learning, and earned a degree in film from NYU, as well as a MFA from CalArts in Experimental Animation. It’s safe to say your creative education is in good hands! As he continues expanding his passion for telling stories, let Evan help yo... more

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