• Adobe After Effects

  Photo cut-out and Z-depth

  Posted by Naveen Mallikarjuna on November 19, 2005 at 2:27 pm

  Hi all. I’m trying to create that now oft-seen effect, where a still photo or illustration is broken up into segements, with individual elements cut-out, and then each of the elements is given a different Z position, and then the camera pans or tilts so we get the sense of depth.

  I think the trailer for “The Kid Stays in the Picture” uses this effect nicely, when Evans is in the pool. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/kid_stays_in_the_picture/trailers.php

  I understand the basics: cut-out your element in a graphics program, composite in AE, then adjust Z position to your liking. However, when I do this, the problem is whatever you cut out is still in the original/background image, and can still be seen.

  I guess the only way to remedy this is to retouch the background image and remove your cut-out element?

  Shvr replied 20 years, 9 months ago 2 Members · 1 Reply
• 1 Reply

• 

  Shvr

  November 19, 2005 at 3:45 pm

  Yeah – learn to love the cloning tool in PS. This effect is really overdone now, but when done to perfection like in “The Kid stays in the Picture” – wow! It’s a very compelling look.

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