How to create flash camera effect?

[Shane Ross]

Two frame DIP TO COLOR…make the color WHITE. Or 4 frames.

Shane

GETTING ORGANIZED WITH FINAL CUT PRO DVD…don’t miss it.
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[Neal Carter]

Edward,

If you have time I would suggest keyframing the brightness/contrast settings 2 or 3 frames before you transition to the still image (and then fade the settings back to normal a few frames into your still). Or, if you have a robust package of effects, use a Glow/Bloom filter to get the desired effect. A white flash works, and may be best suited for your project, but it basically overlays a white color matte while brightness/contrast/glow uniquely affect each element within your composition based on its original color/brightness. It will give you a more realistic look, like a bulb that has just flashed in the background.

Then add a camera ‘click’ and your good to go… remember, sound design is [at least] half the battle.

Good luck!

Neal

[Neal Carter]

I’d check online to find some royalty free sound fx to purchase. I’d also recommend investing in a service or CD/DVD set of quality sound fx.

Neal

[Edward Calabig]

Thanks. Any idea where I can get a camera click sound?

[Steve Eisen]

iLife Sound Effects has a camera shutter. Many other sound effects that are very useful.

Steve Eisen
Eisen Video Productions
Board of Directors
Chicago Final Cut Pro Users Group

[Steve Cohen]

So does Apple Loops that come with SoundTracks Pro.

Steve Cohen
Editor
O2 Media Inc.

[Chuck Fields]

Thanks you so much.
It worked for me.
Chuck fields
eye4video@gmail.com

[Edwin Adkins]

This is a reply more to Neal Carter than to the person who posted the request:

I have a problem with some footage of a performance: parts of the show were supposed to have very dramatic, powerful flashes. But the lighting designer didn’t really do a great job, and the flashes are way too mild. I spent a day or so messing with the dip to color (white) and as you mention in this post, it really doesn’t look like a true flash (unless it’s extremely brief, like just a few frames).

I have noticed also the bloom effect and may try to use that (which you recommended in this post from WAY back in 2008). But I have two other questions:

— not only are the flashes in my footage too mild, but they are ALSO too brief (only maybe 6-8 frames have the added flash, then becomes nearly black). my understanding is that the bloom effect needs to exaggerate these differences. can the bloom effect work on top of (mostly) black frames, as well?

— you recommended the bloom effect in 2008. has anything better come along (I have FCP 7)

thanks,

edwin

[Neal Carter]

Hi Edwin- I’ll try to help, but it’s been a while since I’ve played around with an effect like this. First, I think you want something more along the lines of the “bloom” effect than the dip to color effect. The bloom does blowout light colors (therefore it wont work on black), but the length of time shouldn’t affect the effect.

However, I would suggest two other options. First, I use a series of transition effects from Nattress. They are pretty fantastic and I think you can demo them. If you like them (and I think you will), you can purchase from the site.
https://www.nattress.com/?q=FilmTrans%20

The only other thing I can think of at this point is to do a lens flare over the center of the screen and then play around with the blending modes to see if you can get the look you’re going for. If you haven’t already, I’d suggest reposting your question to see if someone else might be able to offer better guidance. Good luck to you!

Neal

Neal Carter
Editor|Videographer