Shooting reference can seem like a daunting and sometimes expensive task. But it doesn’t have to be this way. This post is going to provide tips, tricks, and hacks on how to overcome this.
When looking for a software to use to edit your reference, you have the first option of an Adobe cloud subscription. Adobe Premiere or Adobe After Effects is considered the best for editing. You can gain access with a purchase of $20.99/month. Or a cheaper alternative on the iPhone is the app called Perfect Video. This app is free to use! The only limitations are that only 30 seconds can be exported and the watermark cannot be removed. Unless you purchase the pro version. The pro version is worth the price that you pay and it’s a one time purchase of $4.99. Whichever adventure you choose, all three of these software are great for editing your reference.
Perfect prop reference can be achieved through cheap methods. Check out stores like Goodwill, Dollar Tree, or even a 99 cent store for cheap ways to purchase props. Something as simple as a plastic cup can be used in place for drums or a hat. Let your creativity loose when looking for objects similar to your props in your animation. Also most importantly, remember to consider the weight, gravity, and physics of your prop/object. Ask questions such as, in the animation will it squish? Will it sink? What will be the end result of the action performed on it?
When the time comes to finally shooting an ambitious angle, it can seem near impossible. But there can be simple solutions. The solution to this is to think simpler, and even smaller. For example, for a bird’s eye shot of a parking lot use toy cars in place of real cars. Using this clever method can help you to get the exact shot that you want without the hassle of using real trucks/cars.
With all of this useful info, you should be good as gold with figuring out cheaper alternatives but still having fantastic references.
Happy shooting!
