A/V Multimedia

So many libraries are beginning to utilize green screen technology in their libraries, and you might be next! Having a green screen in your library opens up a fun world for patrons of all ages, and is a great way to engage your community in a fun way. There are several great options out there for bringing green screen technology to your library. First, let’s get a quick understanding of what’s behind the screen.

Green screen technology relies on a process called chroma key, and is fairly well-known around the world. It’s seen whenever we watch the weather, and in most TV shows and movies we watch. The chroma key process involves combining two separate digital pictures or video by removing a specific color from one image and turning that color transparent. In this case, the color that is being replaced is a bright green (and sometimes blue). Green is an excellent choice as it has very few to no common pigments with our own skin color. 

The only catch? Green clothing! Wearing green clothing in front of a green screen might leave you with just a floating head in a picture! 

Here is what you will need to get started with a green screen:

• Bright green backdrop: these comes in various shapes, sizes, and fabrics
  • Many people are able to just hang green muslin from a wall
  • Many ready-made green screens come with strong stands and can be placed almost anywhere you need them.
• DSLR camera or smartphone: either one will do the trick!
  • If you are using a DSLR camera, you will need a computer and software
  • Consider a tripod for stability, even for the smartphone
• App or computer software: many green screen apps are sufficient for what a library needs, but there is some professional-level software available as well
  • Note that a good green screen app will cost money. There are free apps out there, but they might not get the job done as well
  • Some apps are only compatible with Apple devices
  • Many programs for a PC or Mac help to create a photobooth experience with a countdown and the ability for the patron to see themselves in a monitor so they can be sure they are posing correctly. You can also save the pictures taken directly to a computer for easy sharing.
• Printer: if you would like to offer patrons the option to take their picture home, you will need an appropriate printer; a photo printer — wireless or wired — works great.
• A fun selection of digital images on the chosen device to replace the green color
• Lighting: Your area should be well-lit, either naturally or with additional stand lights 

Once you have all of your elements set up, the fun can begin! You can have patrons line up to have their picture taken, give them numbers, have a sign-up list — whatever is best for you. Have the patron(s) choose which digital background they would like, and get that loaded into the app or software, then reset your scene (pull the backdrop taut, smooth out wrinkles, etc.) and get ready to shoot. Before you take the picture, have the patrons get their poses ready, and give them a countdown if one is not included in your software. Get the picture printed or emailed and you’re done! 

Trips and Tricks for Your Green Screen Experience  

• When hanging your backdrop, make sure it’s pulled taut, as wrinkle-free as possible, and completely covers the photo area. The flatter the green screen, the easier it is 
• Have the camera far away enough to get everyone in the picture, but not so far away that space outside of the screen will be in the shot. 
• If possible, remind patrons not to wear green, especially bright green, as it will be replaced by the background image. 
• Save images to post on social media (with the patrons’ permission)!

With the popularity of digital media on the rise, especially in libraries, 360 degree video is a great, easy way to give your library a fun digital presence. Using a 360 camera for both still shots and video can make your library more accessible to the community. 

A 360 cameras allow you to film and take pictures of the world around you from every angle. You can take just one shot, or take multiple shots of a large space and stitch the images together. This can be done with various software, and many 360 degree camera manufacturers supply this themselves. Some 360 degree cameras are small and highly portable, while others are meant more for sitting on a desk or table, or mounted on a wall. For libraries, a portable camera might be a good option.

Many 360 degree cameras are equipped with multi-channel microphones, wireless LAN, Bluetooth capability, a tripod mount hole, the ability to switch camera modes, and more. These cameras also have an associated app that allows you to take video and pictures, import and export, as well as edit and upload to other video sharing websites. We recommend using the app to control the camera, as it gives you more control over taking videos or still shots, and also makes it easier to transfer and share content.

When searching for a 360 camera, you’ll want to consider:

• Picture/Video Quality: high quality is best, and you’ll want a high resolution
• Ease of use
• Size: both of the device itself and its storage capacity
• Battery life

You can treat your 360 degree camera as you would a standard camera, using accessories like a tripod and a case, and even an external microphone.

When you’re ready to shoot, simply use the associated app or the controls on the camera to start your 360 video or capture images. Hold the camera steady or put it on a tripod for extra stability. When you’re done, you’ll either view the capture images from your phone, or transfer them to a computer using a USB cable. If you want to take this a step further, you can capture images of your library, download software to stitch your images together and create a 360 tour of your library!

Tips for Using Your Camera

• As with any camera, keep your camera steady as you film or shoot
• If you are looking to stitch a series of still images together, be sure to take your time shooting, and use the provided manufacturer software