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Been experimenting with some easy to use techniques for showing action(movement, firing, etc.) in photo based batreps.

The examples below are roughs ( from a recent mangled metal game with my son) just to see if they are in the ballpark as far as be representational. Size and color, etc. can be altered as needed. Arrows and initial effect are actual physical markers put on models/tabletop and then enhanced in a photo editor. The idea behind this is so the photos have a visual marker for what they depict when they are taken which helps recognizing/sorting photos post-game,etc. when you might have 40-50 photos for a batrep.


Examples of showing firing( a mix of actual fire effect piece affixed to model with added photo editing:


Showing movement:


Seems this would make sorting the action in a batrep easier visually rather then simple monotonous text.

Thoughts?

Only problem with this is you need to take a lot of notes anyway, and a lot of photos.

You can get by with a lot subtler cannon shot effect too.

Overall, stuff like this takes a ton of time and prep, stuff that could turn a fun game into a slog if you have to record each action.

Vertrucio wrote:Only problem with this is you need to take a lot of notes anyway, and a lot of photos.

You can get by with a lot subtler cannon shot effect too.

Overall, stuff like this takes a ton of time and prep, stuff that could turn a fun game into a slog if you have to record each action.

I am talking about batreps. The point of which is to make a record/report of it.

I have done a fair number of them and am well aware of the time involved. What I am discussing is using visual markers in photos to tie in to the standard text of a batrep.

As I already mentioned the size/color of things like muzzle flash can be can be altered as needed, these where simply roughs so people could see what i was referring to.

i rather like the arrows for movement, and its seems like an interesting idea

Looks very good, very clear and visually appealing. I look forward to seeing your future works.

Like the idea keep it up.

Well then, as a time saving mechanic, get a small tripod, something like of those gorilla pods that bend and wrap around stuff. Take a before and after pic of each movement from the exact same camera position, making it easier to see where stuff goes.

Then you can use photoshop and illustrator together to composite a ghost image of where the model used to be, and use illustrator to make the arrow pointing out the path of movement. It takes more time in post production, but can speed things up during play from lessening the note taking, and laying down and removing the arrows.

Those video reps had a great system...that probably took forever.

I prefer simplicity, so if I were to try your method, CT Gamer, I'd probably have
tokens that represent their actions on the table but I woudn't do before and after
pictures. I'd just take after photos and center the shots (for dramatic shots) on the
action in question.

What types of tokens would you recommend? Litko would be a good place for tokens.

malfred wrote:Those video reps had a great system...that probably took forever.

I prefer simplicity, so if I were to try your method, CT Gamer, I'd probably have
tokens that represent their actions on the table but I woudn't do before and after
pictures. I'd just take after photos and center the shots (for dramatic shots) on the
action in question.

What types of tokens would you recommend? Litko would be a good place for tokens.

Me, I'm considering construction paper and a stencil set from the friendly neighborhood craftstore.

I would consider filming the actual game, and making little notes on things as needed. Just let the camera run while you play.

Then recreate the game after. This takes more time, but doesn't interfere with the game itself.

The effects in the pic look good tho.