Rather watch a video than read a document ?
A movie tutorial accompanies this article.
This article, together with the accompanying video, addresses the most commonly asked questions regarding the Timestone Software Knockouts system. Namely:
Which backgrounds work best?
Does it handle outdoor images?
How does it manage groups?
What does it do with chairs and props?
How it works
An understanding of how the technology works means the answer to all the questions above is positive.
The images are intelligently examined, and the subject matter of the image is identified and preserved while everything else is discarded or knocked out. For this reason, the nature of the background is largely irrelevant. This also means important aspects of the image, such as chairs, stands, and musical instruments that are deemed part of the subject matter, are also preserved.
Examples
The video above demonstrates many different types of images processed through the Timestone Software Knockouts syste,
Background Selection
As mentioned here and demonstrated in the accompanying video, backgrounds are not necessary at all - the technology finds and extracts the subject of the image regardless of what is behind or around it. However, many photographers will still prefer to setup a backdrop of some description.
No backgrounds or outdoor
Images captured outdoors or without a formal backdrop (such as a wall) will process without problem. This flexibility is especially useful when shooting on location or in tight spaces where traditional setups are impractical.
CAUTION
When photographing outdoors in tall grass and or soft ground the bottom edge of the subject can become obstructed or hidden. In these cases Knockouts will separate the subjects from the ground but will not “rebuild” the obstructed portion of the subject.
Traditional Studio Backgrounds
Classic studio portrait backdrops, often in blue-grey tones, deliver exceptional results.
It should also be emphasised that the system is non-destructive, meaning the original images are still available for production along with the transparent (alpha) image. This means products such as composites and ID cards can be formed with the original studio background (the original image) while allowing for products with custom backgrounds that use the transparent (alpha) version.
Green Screen Backgrounds
While compatible, green screen setups are not required. Furthermore, green screens can often introduce unwanted color spill — reflected light that falls on the subject — that will be extracted with the subject. For this reason, green screen backgrounds are not recommended
Gray Screen Backgrounds
Neutral gray backgrounds have become increasingly popular, in part because they help the photographer achieve more accurate colour and exposure. They work exceptionally well with Timestone Software’s Knockout system, as their very low reflectivity means they do not suffer the spill problem inherent with green screens.
Groups
The system is exceptionally well suited to handling groups as it preserves not only the people in the group photo but all other elements associated with it, such as chairs, bleachers, and risers, along with objects they may be holding, such as musical instruments.
Props
Objects such as chairs, musical instruments, or sports equipment are intelligently recognized and retained when they are deemed to be part of the subject matter of the image. This holds true for individual portraits as well as groups.