Overview
Getting great extractions starts with image capture. A white background, good exposure and contrast, sharp focus, deep depth of field, proper image color profile, and proper feet placement are essential for the Next Gen design team to find the edges of the image and not lose subtle flyaways and details. In this article, we'll review some of the key setup details to get the best extractions.
Proper Exposure
- Properly exposed images where there is a separation between the background and subject without underexposing or overexposing the background.
Depth of Field
- An F-Stop of F/8 or above so that focus carries all the way through from front to back.
Sharp Focus
- Utilize the autofocus on your camera to maintain consistently sharp results. Many newer cameras also have face and eye detection that will help for even better focus.
Image Color Profile
- Images should be in the SRGB color space when submitting.
Feet Placement Charts
- If you plan to use feet placement charts, make sure you use one that is the same color as your background of choice. Bright-colored mats that contrast with the background color eliminate the ease of extraction that comes from a single-colored background and floor.
- The color should flow seamlessly from the floor to the background; make sure there are no gaps.
- A related matter is the athlete’s feet themselves. Take a minute to make sure you don’t block their feet with a lumpy train or floor.
The Takeaway
For the best outcomes, prioritize your background, correct exposure, and sharp focus. Whether it's maintaining the right color profile or ensuring seamless foot placement, these fundamental elements contribute to a streamlined extraction process for optimal results.