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I would love for someone out there to explain to me how the white/blue gradient is created in miniature image backgrounds?

I have been taking digital images of my minis for a long time and would like to learn how to do that? I really like the professional feel that the gradient background brings to an image but have very little idea of how it is done. Any other tips on lighting, camera use, background etc. would be most welcome. I often feel like a complete camera novice. (Kind of like my painting on bad days LOL).

?

the only way to do it without editing software is to use lots of diffused white light i.e from a light tent and the like.

otherwise all good imaging software, such as photoshop and paint shop have a light balance option.

Shoot your picture with a pure white background. This is pretty easy to do if you shoot the picture of the model while its on a large poster length sheet of paper, sometimes cuved up behind it to provide full coverage.

Port to photoshop.

Input blue gradient in the white space using either the selection, magic wand, or extraction tool (magic wand with a very low tolerance of 0-5% should work on anything except white models on the white background).

Thats a bit of an oversimplification but its a pretty simple process.

ShumaGorath wrote:Input blue gradient in the white space using either the selection, magic wand, or extraction tool (magic wand with a very low tolerance of 0-5% should work on anything except white models on the white background).

I use a layer mask to remove the background completely, and then put drop the miniature onto a new background.

The automatic tools generally leave a slight border, or cut away bits that shouldn't be. Doing it manually is more time consuming, but gives much better results.

This would be a killer addition to the Article section.....

insaniak wrote:

ShumaGorath wrote:Input blue gradient in the white space using either the selection, magic wand, or extraction tool (magic wand with a very low tolerance of 0-5% should work on anything except white models on the white background).

I use a layer mask to remove the background completely, and then put drop the miniature onto a new background.

The automatic tools generally leave a slight border, or cut away bits that shouldn't be. Doing it manually is more time consuming, but gives much better results.

When making fine selections i tend to use either the extract tool AND a selection overlaid on one another or I mask. I was trying to describe the process to the OP though, who I doubt has much experience with digital image manipulation. Masking can be a bit daunting to someone who is new to the program.

This would be a killer addition to the Article section..

If someone reminds me I'll write one up with pictures over the thanksgiving break. I don't have a digital camera with me here in the dorms.

I just use a blue grad sheet - but I'm so old skool it hurts. I still even use film to take pics of minis.

You can download a background if you google for it.

http://www.weetoysoldiers.com/wp/?p=220

We can add this to the article section. wts shut down and gave permission for repostings.

Sweet!

I do have photoshop and am familiar with the concepts of layers and the magic wand. I have never used the gradient tool though, huh. I'll have to experiment.

I hadnt thought of masking an image on top of a gradient layer but that sounds really smart, heck I could port any image of mine into a layer with the gradient and possibly even a trademark credit symbol.

Good ideas, Im of to experiment! Thanks guys!

LOL. I've been going to art school for the past few years. Somehow the idea of someone never having used the gradient tool is cracking me up.

GIMP is a free alternative to Photoshop if you want to spend your money on figs instead of software...
Gimp Website

Pariah Press wrote:LOL. I've been going to art school for the past few years. Somehow the idea of someone never having used the gradient tool is cracking me up.

Well, it is very difficult to load software on the abacuss I have here in Gaul....