Chick 1 says:
Hi guys, we are currently transferring from one host to another so things may be a bit wonky for a day or two. We’ll soon get everything loaded and cleaned up. You know what a chore moving can be. And yes, we are accepting housewarming presents.
Chick 1 says:
Chick 2 can explain this better than I but for our loyal readers who are wondering, “What is lens flare and why should I care?” I will attempt to explain.
Flare is what happens when light reflects within the lens. This happens when a light source (other than the light that is bouncing off your image) enters the camera and refracts off the glass. That’s one reason you don’t normally shoot directly toward a light.
For those of you wondering flare looks like, here are some helpful examples:
Notice something about these pictures. Yes, they are both from Star Trek. And they’re just the tip of the iceburg.
In the last decade or so, it’s become more and more popular to use lens flare on purpose. It can be used for a variety of reasons; like making a film feel “real” or documentary-like or emphasizing how hot or bright a light source is in the story. (You often see this technique in a “lost in the desert” scene when someone looks up at the sun.) And when creating a fake environment (like a computer generated scene in space) details like flare can make that CG environment more believable.
Now I loved Star Trek. I thought it was the best summer movie of 2009. But the flare in that movie was waaay over the top. Early in the movie, I did like it. I thought that having a lot of flare did help set the mood, make the space scenes cool, and even give the film its own style. But it made it very hard to see the action. Check out those photos again. See how fuzzy it looks. During the movie, I found myself squinting to try and see what was going on. (Didn’t work.)
I get it. I get it. There are a lot of bright lights on the ship and a lot of shooting into suns & stars (yes, I realize they are the same things) so naturally there will be some flare but if I can’t actually see the film, there’s a problem.
So what is lens flare? – light refracting through a lens
And why should I care? – Lens flare can be used purposefully to either enhance a story or obscure that story.
Discuss.
PS. I still love you, JJ Abrams, and I would like to carry your briefcase and follow you around for a couple of years.
Chick 1 says:
Sing it with me now, “When Cameron was in Egypt land, Let my Cameron go.”
Cameron Frye’s house, complete with car museum, is for sale in Highland Park, IL, just outside Chicago. Ferrari sold seperately. You can see pictures at the realtor’s website. If you decide to purchase, I’ll be expecting a finder’s fee.
Chick 1 says:
I love to surf the net and MentalFloss.com is one of my favorites. I visit their Morning Cup O’ Links almost everyday. They write on a wide variety topics and the posts are usually witty and brief.
Yesterday they posted this article about the origin of the phrase A List in Hollywood. I have to admit even I didn’t know this. But yes, Virginia, there really is an A List. Read about it here.
Chick 1 says:
I have a confession to make. I’ve hidden this secret from most of my friends for several years now. I hope you’ll still respect me once you know.
I read fan fiction.
If you don’t know what fan fiction is you’re probably not an ubergeek. Read more
Chick 1 says:
I wasn’t going to start this rundown of the telecast until it actually started at 7:30 CST. But after what just happened on the red carpet, it’s time to start.
5:50 pm: All six children from the cast of Slumdog Millionaire being interviewed by Ryan Seacrest. Was that not the most adorable thing ever?! I could have eaten them all for dessert. Closely followed by the other cast members from Slumdog, all humble, excited, and a little giddy. And they seem to handling the whirlwind surrounding their film quite well. I hope this movie wins Best Picture! Read more
Very cool music video that is actually a series of 3,552 still photographs. Basically stop motion animation. I am fascinated by brains that understand movement like this.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_HXUhShhmY]
Chick 1 says:
A couple of Star Wars related videos for your amusement.
First, Star Wars is such a part of our culture now that even those few who haven’t seen it still have an idea of what it’s about…or do they? Star Wars as told by someone who’s never seen it. Watch it here.
And if you’re a John Williams fan, check this out. This guy’s got way too much time on his hands, but around the time he starts his whiney Luke impersonation (dead on, BTW) I was starting to crush a little. I find it interesting that although the lyrics are Star Wars inspired, the video features none of the actual score for Star Wars. Can you name the other John Williams scores in this medley? I count 6. Am I right?
Chick 1 says:
To the 3 people who check this blog; sorry I haven’t posted in a while. Fall has been crazy! But hopefully I’ll be able to post more consistently from now on. Thanks for stopping by. I will do my best to make it worth your time.
