Godox Mask Function - Guida all'uso

Nunzio Santisi

28 Nov 202213:04

Summary

TLDRThe transcript discusses using flash masking functions in photography to control which flashes fire in a sequence, allowing the subject to be properly lit in one shot and then silhouetted in the next. This facilitates quick subject cutouts in post-production.

Takeaways

📸 The masking function is a common feature in many Godox flashes, such as the AD200 Pro, AD300, AD400, and studio flashes like the QT600 II.
🔀 This function allows alternating operation of flashes in a lighting setup, enabling users to control which flash fires during a sequence of shots.
🎨 Masking can greatly simplify post-production by facilitating subject cut-out, especially useful in composite photography.
🔧 For optimal results, it's recommended to use a tripod to ensure consistent framing between shots, particularly important when creating silhouettes for easier post-production masking.
💡 The masking function can manage usually two units, but some models like the AD400 Pro can handle up to four, offering flexibility in lighting arrangements.
👤 Techniques demonstrated using a vintage lens as a subject, but applicable to portraits and other subjects, highlighting the function's versatility.
📌 The use of a softbox and snoot in the lighting setup illustrates how different light modifiers contribute to the overall effect.
⚙️ Detailed guidance on activating the masking function on different flashes, emphasizing the importance of correct settings for achieving the desired lighting effects.
🖼️ Demonstrates how to utilize burst mode shooting to automatically alternate flash activation, creating a series of images with varied lighting on the subject and background.
🎞️ Shows a practical example of using Photoshop for quick and efficient post-production, leveraging the silhouette obtained through the masking function for easy subject cut-out.

Q & A

What is the masking function in Godox flashes?
-The masking function allows you to set flashes to fire alternately in a shooting sequence. For example, you can set one flash to fire for the subject and another for the background, switching between shots.
How many flashes can the Godox AD400Pro control with masking?
-The Godox AD400Pro can control up to 4 flashes using masking.
What are the steps to activate masking on a Godox AD200 flash?
-To activate masking on a Godox AD200: 1) Press and hold the button on the top right. 2) Go to Function 5 for masking. 3) Select 1 or 2 to assign flash sequence number.
Why use a tripod for flash masking?
-Using a tripod ensures there is no change in framing between shots with different flashes firing. This allows the images to be easily aligned later for compositing.
How can you avoid light spill on the subject edges when shooting for masking?
-Use flags on the background lights to prevent light spill on subject edges. This gives a clean silhouette for easy masking.
What is the benefit of flash masking for product photography?
-Flash masking lets you quickly photograph many products, alternating between well-lit shots and silhouette shots. This speeds up cutout masking in post.
What channel should be set on the flash trigger for masking?
-The flash trigger channel should be set to match the groups assigned to the flashes for coordination.
How are the masked shots combined in Photoshop?
-Use the silhouette shot to create a selection, invert it for the subject mask, then apply that as a layer mask to the well-lit shot.
What should you do if there is light spill on silhouette shot edges?
-Adjust levels to darken the edges and cleanly define the silhouette for easy masking.
What is an easy way to refine the subject selection based on the silhouette?
-Use one of the color channels, like blue, to easily create and refine the selection from the silhouette.

Outlines

00:00

😄 Introducing the flash masking function

05:03

📸 Setting up flash masking on the Godox flashes

10:05

💡 Tips for capturing the perfect silhouette shot

Mindmap

Keywords

💡masking

Masking refers to selectively activating or deactivating flash units in a lighting setup across multiple shots. This allows the photographer to obtain different lighting effects on the subject vs the background. The video demonstrates using flash masking to obtain a shot with the subject lit and one with the subject in silhouette.

💡flash

Flash units like the Godox AD200 and AD400Pro are used to provide lighting. The flash masking function allows configuring which flashes fire in each shot to selectively illuminate the subject or background.

💡silhouette

A silhouette shot is one where the background is lit but the subject is very dark or black. The video shows using flash masking to obtain a silhouette shot by only activating the background light.

💡layer mask

A layer mask in Photoshop isolates parts of an image. The video demonstrates creating a quick selection from the silhouette shot to mask the subject onto the lit background shot for easy cutouts.

💡post-production

Post-production refers to editing and processing photos after the shoot. Flash masking speeds up post-work by providing easy subject silhouettes for quick cutouts from the background.

💡lighting setup

The video uses a simple 3-light setup with a key, rim and background light. Flash masking allows activating lights selectively to illuminate the subject or background.

💡product photography

The technique is recommended for product photography where many items need to be shot and cut out from backgrounds quickly.

💡light modifiers

Modifiers like softboxes (AD400 key light) and snoots (AD200 rim light) are used to control light spill and shape the quality of light.

💡trigger

A trigger sends signals to remotely control and sync flashes. The Godox flash system uses a proprietary Godox protocol to control units.

💡channels

Setting flash units to the same channel allows them to be synced. Group modes can also be used to selectively activate lights.

Highlights

La funzione di mascheramento permette di far funzionare i flash in modo alternato nello schema luci

Possiamo decidere quale flash fa funzionare in ogni scatto della sequenza

Utile per facilitare lo scontorno del soggetto in post-produzione

Può essere utilizzata anche per i ritratti

Consigliato l'uso di un treppiedi per evitare variazioni di inquadratura

Schema luci con d400 Pro come luce principale, d200 con snoot per contorno e d300 Pro per sfondo

Assegnare un numero ad ogni flash per stabilire l'ordine di attivazione nella sequenza

Ottenere scatti alternati con soggetto illuminato o in silhouette

Utile per cataloghi di prodotti: alternare scatti di soggetti da scontornare

In Photoshop, livelli di regolazione per accentuare la silhouette

Creare selezione dai canali e invertirla per selezionare il soggetto

Maschera di livello dalla selezione per applicarla allo scatto illuminato

Scontornare con attenzione in fase di scatto usando bandiere per luci sfondo

Tecnica semplice ed efficace per scontornare velocemente in post

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