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Screenshot Spotlight: Phenomenon IV

Posted by urk at 2/3/2009 9:12 AM PST

Alec9224 writes:

Week two of Alec's Screenshot Spotlight series.

Alec returns to give aspiring screenshot artists some tips and tricks. This time around, he's spotlighting Phenomenon IV, who offers advice on how to avoid the overdone, over saturated, overdeveloped screenshot.

"This week Phenomenon IV is here to tell us how to avoid the annoying overdeveloped screenshot. If you are an experienced Halo 3 photographer, then you already know that when taking a screenshot on Blackout with filters turned on, most of the time the screenshot turns out all white if any light is present. Well here is Phenomenon's tips to avoid that pitfall:

The Black Cloud Effect

The Black Cloud Effect is an effect that can help you make a screenshot on Blackout with filters, without it becoming too bright. I used this effect with many of my screenshots like Magnums.

First, spawn a power drain with forge. Throw it, then wait until it explodes. When it explodes there is a black cloud that appears. Later, when you're in the Theater, you can zoom through the black cloud and angle it so you can see the player. When you look at the player it might seem as if it's too dark, but when you take the screenshot you should be able to make out the player just fine. If you're having trouble and the shot is just too dark, you are probably too far outside the cloud. Get closer to the cloud and it should become a bit brighter.

If you want to get the best results, I recommend making a bridge in the sky so you can be closer to the black background. You can also force color black by editing the options in the pregame lobby.

If you want to learn how to do Phenomenon's "Heavenly Hog" effect, head back to the original Point and Shoot news story. It's already been covered.

Now, here is a brief interview with the author:

Q. What inspired you to start taking screenshots?

A. Well I saw a screenshot made by InfluentKiller, and I thought it looked very cool, so I decided to try making screenshots myself. Although many people have inspired me, he is likely the person who inspired me most. Making screenshots is very fun! I really like finding out how things work in Halo 3 to discover new effects. I love it when people ask, "How in the hell did you make that screenshot!?"

Q. Are you still actively taking screenshots?

A. I try my best to make new screenshots. Especially since I finally got my HD Widescreen TV. Yes!

Q. Out of all of your screenshots, what is your favorite?

A. A lot of people love my Heavenly Hog screenshot but my personal favorite is Galactic Rider, I love the blue in the screenshot.

Q. Want to make any shout-outs?

A. I want to thank The Revisionaries and Facility B5D, my all time favorite groups. Also, I want to thank all my friends, Bungie, and the people of the community!"

Thanks again to Alec for drumming up the players behind the screenshots. And thanks to Phenomenon IV for sharing his tips and tricks. Great stuff.

Tags: Halo 3