After Effects Compositing: 2 Matching Foreground to Background

Learn how to composite 2D or 3D foreground objects to a background scene and seamlessly match light, color, depth of field, and noise so that every element looks natural.

Introduction

• Welcome
• Using the exercise files
• Before you begin

1. Compositing Is Matching

• Compositing is matching
• Toggle and float panels to optimize your workspace
• Match color in black and white
• Use the histogram
• Incorporate the Info panel

2. More Complex Compositing

• Prepare for an extreme match
• Match levels with proportions
• Slam to test the match
• Develop an eye for saturation
• Desaturate with Tint
• Why isn't color matching automatic?
• Straddle compositions with an expression control

3. Introducing Depth

• Go further with atmospheric haze
• Understand Gaussian vs. Defocus blurs
• Create a simple rack focus between two layers with Camera Lens Blur
• Set up a 3D rack focus with the After Effects camera
• Create depth of field with a depth map
• Add a 3D-generated depth map from CINEMA 4D
• Rack focus with a 3D-generated depth map
• Prevent matte clipping with Find Edges and Minimax
• Add quick-and-dirty defocus with Box Blur
• Re-create bokeh with frischluft's Lenscare

4. Organize Projects for VFX

• Organize a VFX comp down in number of layers
• Analyze a complex shot with Uber key and the composition flowchart

5. Befriend Noise and Grain

• Match shadow grain and color with an adjustment layer
• Spot grain mismatches and match grain
• Reduce or remove grain with Neat Video
• Manage the grain pipeline in a complex shot
• Customize a 2D drop shadow with a masked solid