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Light trails, possible?

RS
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11 Mar 2012 11:42 #5621 by RS

Light trails, possible? was created by RS

I'm new to FCP X, but have an idea in my head for an effect. Any idea if it's possible to create a light trail move from point a to point b and leave a ghost, so it looks like a light outline on an object?

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BenB
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11 Mar 2012 18:32 #5634 by BenB

Replied by BenB on topic Re: Light trails, possible?

Don't see why not. Can you point to an example?

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RS
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11 Mar 2012 18:45 #5636 by RS

Replied by RS on topic Re: Light trails, possible?

Hi,

I'm thinking I might have to do it in After Effects, but if there's an FCP X plugin that would great.

Something like this, but the light trail would trace the edge of an object in a photo and diminish in size to appear like it's getting smaller in the distance

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BenB
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11 Mar 2012 19:10 - 11 Mar 2012 19:11 #5637 by BenB

Replied by BenB on topic Re: Light trails, possible?

It'd actually be pretty easy in Motion.

Last edit: 11 Mar 2012 19:11 by BenB.

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RS
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11 Mar 2012 19:13 #5638 by RS

Replied by RS on topic Re: Light trails, possible?

Thanks, with the in-built tools or a plugin?

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BenB
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11 Mar 2012 19:15 - 11 Mar 2012 19:18 #5639 by BenB

Replied by BenB on topic Re: Light trails, possible?

With built in tools. You can use the shape as a source for lots of things, parameter behaviors, light lines are a snap.

I'm sitting in an MIA terminal at the moment on an iPad, so I can't pull Motion up now, but I've done similar things before.

Last edit: 11 Mar 2012 19:18 by BenB.

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RS
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12 Mar 2012 08:04 #5663 by RS

Replied by RS on topic Re: Light trails, possible?

Thanks, couldn't point me to a tutorial could you?

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Mikeybouchereau
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12 Mar 2012 08:30 #5664 by Mikeybouchereau

Replied by Mikeybouchereau on topic Re: Light trails, possible?

It's actually really easy. Create a particle emitter, set the speed to 0, the animate the emitter position. (I typically use the motion path behavior) To have the light trail deminish or kind of fade away, use the Scale over life behavior. (for something like this set, birth to 100% and death 0% or you can use custom and create a unique fall off). Turn on additive blend to make it look like its glowing!

I created a quick emitter to show you the setting!

Attachments:

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BenB
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12 Mar 2012 17:17 #5670 by BenB

Replied by BenB on topic Re: Light trails, possible?

For simple lines like that, lines, no emitter needed. The example you posted are simple lines and not exactly what you want to do, I believe.

For the outline of an object, I'd go with using a replicator, which would not be as complicated and easier to control than an emitter.

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Scrubelicious
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12 Mar 2012 21:16 #5683 by Scrubelicious

Replied by Scrubelicious on topic Re: Light trails, possible?

I could imagine RS would like to see a example...
I would also use a light with particles but again depend on the need of the effect.

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cleash
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13 Mar 2012 08:46 #5695 by cleash

Replied by cleash on topic Re: Light trails, possible?

Hi,

Can anyone post a video tutorial (if possible)? It will be greatly appreciated for RS and myself included.

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RS
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13 Mar 2012 11:32 #5697 by RS

Replied by RS on topic Re: Light trails, possible?

Yes, a video tutorial would be great.

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Scrubelicious
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13 Mar 2012 14:58 #5699 by Scrubelicious

Replied by Scrubelicious on topic Re: Light trails, possible?

Hey guys I soon as I get a screen capture application (any suggestions) I will put a tutorial together.
Not big in the tutorial business but maybe something to look at.

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philw
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13 Mar 2012 16:35 - 13 Mar 2012 18:34 #5702 by philw

Replied by philw on topic Re: Light trails, possible?

"Hey guys I soon as I get a screen capture application (any suggestions) I will put a tutorial together."

You could use quicktime's screen recorder option .. its cheap

Last edit: 13 Mar 2012 18:34 by philw. Reason: Added quote

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BenB
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13 Mar 2012 18:30 #5707 by BenB

Replied by BenB on topic Re: Light trails, possible?

Also look up tracking and replicators in the user manual.

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Bwells
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13 Mar 2012 22:10 - 13 Mar 2012 22:11 #5723 by Bwells

Replied by Bwells on topic Re: Light trails, possible?

Scrubelicious wrote: Hey guys I soon as I get a screen capture application (any suggestions) I will put a tutorial together.
Not big in the tutorial business but maybe something to look at.

If you are looking for good screen recording I use Screenflow for Mac. It works wonders. If you are looking for a quick web based screen recording, try Screenr.com It is free and really easy to use.

Last edit: 13 Mar 2012 22:11 by Bwells.

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