GIF With Fading Images Tutorial & Other Interesting Tidbits

Not too long ago, a viewer asked how to make a GIF with images that fade into one another.  I think I've addressed it in this video.  Though I'm sure there are a few more ways the same result can be achieved.  It's been a while since I've made a fading GIF, so I may be a tad rusty.  In any case, I hope someone finds this tutorial useful.

As for the length of time it has taken me to post a video or to blog about anything at all . . .
Well, it's been one interesting start of a year, let's say!

I had high hopes this year.  With plans to start some new projects early on.  Sadly, illness and a few other surprises have put a kink in my scheme and knocked me off path.  (~.~)

No worries.  Back on track I go.

In the works are videos about the crazy workout I just started.  ~Oh my!~  Yes, I finished TurboFire and loved it.  I was on my 2nd or 3rd? round of it, when I decided to mix it up a bit.

The new workout is called Insanity.  Did I say this already?  Its name is quite fitting.  'Cause you pretty much have to be CRAZY to do this workout!  Which, I suppose, suits me fine. ha!  Now, if you think you're up for the challenge, you can find Insanity through my website:  www.beachbodycoach.com/SDCHAN
Browse my page, click on the Shop and find it there or just click this graphic!
      

Pretty much, I dare you!  hahaha!
Just kiddin'. I wouldn't want to be responsible for anyone getting hurt.  That being said, here's my Disclaimer:

If you should try any workout program that I recommend on this site, do so at your own risk!  I should probably add, see a doctor before doing the programs I mention on this site.  Make sure you can handle it.  Especially, Insanity.  Holy cow!  

More on this at a later date.

Okay, I'll move on.

I also hope to do more videos about the simple jewelry I've made.  It seems many of you are interested in how to make your own.  I'll be sure to put a few more jewelry tutorials out there.

Oh!  And animation tutorials!  I can't forget those, because they are some of my favorite.  Those videos are also the most time-consuming.  I'll do my best!

It's going to be a busy year.  Let's all make it a great one! \(^.^)/

Until next time~~^*^

 

 

How to Use Chroma Key in Vegas Movie Studio

For some reason, this short tutorial took days to complete!  That would be the reason you don't see many like it on my channel.  Still, I enjoy doing these kinds of videos and plan to do more in the future.

The tutorial shows how to use the chroma keyer plugin found in Vegas Movie Studio HD Platinum 10.0.  At least, the way I use it.  Ha!

I don't have a chroma green backdrop, so I decided to create a simple animation and give it a green background.  Sort of a green screen simulation.

 I created the animation using Anime Studio Pro, which is a whole different tutorial in itself.  Yep, I've already made a tutorial for that one.

Here's the link to a 3-part series I did explaining switch layers, and whatnot, in Anime Studio Pro 6:
Switch Layer Tutorial

Okay, moving on to chroma keying.

Here's what it looks like after chroma keying.

This image contains 4 layers.  The girl animation, a photo of a tree, some clouds and a photo of the moon.  In that order.  The chroma key plugin was applied to the girl animation background, and then to the sky in the tree photo.  I could have used video in the layers instead of photos if I wanted.  Which would be pretty cool, too!  There are so many options.  I did manage to animate the moon using track motion.

My face in the sky was cut out with the Cookie Cutter plugin.  I changed the border of it to blue and chroma keyed that, too.  I was told the result was creepy ... not nearly as creepy as the junk that would have shown up in the background.  Haha!  Oh, the possibilities!

  

One thing to note, when applying any type of effect to media in Vegas, one needs to understand which option to choose between Media FX and Video Event FX.  My understanding is that selecting Media FX applies the chosen effect to the clip in every instance in which it appears, including in the Project Media bin.  If Video Event FX is chosen, only in that instance is the desired effect applied.  So, using Media FX  helps to save time if the media will be used repeatedly throughout the entire work.

I tried to keep the tutorial as simple as possible.  But, of course, there are a few slightly more complex elements I threw in toward the end.  I briefly brush over how to animate the moon, but didn't go into detail.  I may need to make another tutorial!

Until next time~~

 


  

Fireside

fireside ©shaunachan2012

It is often around the backyard firepit where the depth of our discussions tend to grow.  There is something about the slithering flames and upward fleeting of glittery sparks that get the synapses firing.  

Though our intentions are good, we've come to no definitive answers about much of anything in particular.  Just more possibilities.  Our changing minds burning across ideas, leaving white hot ashes of the old ones behind still glowing then dimming.    

Fortunately, this refocusing happens almost painlessly.  I suppose it is so, because the simplicity and warmth of a gentle set of flames makes for such a peaceful setting.  A stick's poke at the glowing branches ignite a brief excitement of fireflies, and a new topic arises.

Changes are afoot.

In all of it, I hope to continue posting here.  It will likely be necessary.  In fact, this blog may in some ways return to its roots.  The place where things get sorted out.  Where I may come for a bit of fireside reflection.  

I worry I'll have time for little else.  Yet, I hope to continue to devote time to the YouTube channel.  I do enjoy posting videos there and have plans to do much more in the future.  I'll elaborate more on this later.

In the time since my last post of any kind, the world has gone mad, it seems.  A thing I have noticed, though, there are voices of reason not only enduring but presenting  themselves stronger than before.  Thank heavens for this!  We can be somewhat assured all of humanity is not yet completely lost.  

I don't think I'll say much more on this, as the sadness is quite profound.  Any solutions will take kinder hearts, deeper understandings of human nature, and courage.  Lots of it.