Crazy Way to Darken & Soften Bright Backgrounds Outdoors

Another crazy Markus idea- BUT IT WORKS! Another old Hollywood trick to darken and soften a bright outdoor background without anything on the camera- no filters, and not bright lights needed! You don't even need a fast lens or shallow depth of field or fast shutter speed. What you need isn't even from a camera store- it's from Home Depot! What is this magical device? In Hollywood, they use something similar called a "scrim" to add haze, soften the background, lower contrast etc and I've been using them since the early 80's, ...but in this video I wanted to see if I could do the same thing with simple cheap things found at Home Depot and the local fabric store. Watch the video and find out.
Rosco E-Colour #211 .9 Neutral Density (48" x 25' Roll) www.bhphotovid...
Subscribe and tell your friends about MarkusPix
My Health channel is www.thehealthyl...
See photoshoot images of Cara at www.shortsillus...
The Markus and Cara Instagram page is / markusandcara
Cara's personal Instagram is / iamcarabrotman
Markus health products (things that I use personally) www.markusproducts.com

[@MaiElizabeth]

I'm sick of youtubers who show how to do it PROFESSIONALLY but EXPENSIVELY. They made us newbie, feel unmotivated. I like your tips.

[@franconianbike]

Agree ... he's taking care of low budget needs and gives hints for professional results, or at least results for ppl who like to be on a good level. He even helped me to choose the richt camera for my needs. It took me several hous of video input, but I've been successful. With his help and some understanding of Physics this can be become successful. I'm glad I've found this channel.

[@jogalong]

I recently watched my old camcorder videos and realized how I didnt give a shit to make it perfect. Now most of the time I wouldnt even start shooting thinking its not gonna meet the standard anyway. It feels like you need to have a RED camera with 10k PC to produce anything worthy while in reality you just miss so many opportunities since the whole process is such a hassle. I realised that something on SD is better than nothing on 8K.

[@JulesVerneReyes]

You are definitely NOT like most people and especially nowhere near any of the typical KZbinrs. Crazy, wacky, awkward but totally legit. Keep cranking them videos out. Love your content.

[@silverlightphotoco]

I love the spirit of innovation! I want to encourage you to keep thinking in an innovative way because not everyone can DO that, and sometimes not all people in an audience ALSO think that way, and so MAY be negative (perhaps asking themselves the question "If this was truly a good idea, then why didn't some big Hollywood guy come up with this already?") I, however, am sort of a crazy inventor myself, so I understand that it's often the "little guys" that come up with the great ideas, and the big guys (like Thomas Edison) that are looking to take the credit for it, etc.

[@dkkeyz8815]

Was just thinking these exact words but I’d add super energetic and positive!

[@tonygatos1]

Markus, you are the Nikola Tesla of photography!

[@paulmmurray3733]

You change the angle of the fly screens. 1 @ 90° then the next one at 75° or 105°. This is how 4 colour printing solves the problem. TRY IT!

[@Icallyousowhat]

All thumps up are from printer :-)

[@mitchgourley3082]

I think youre the only camera youtuber that doesn't follow the trends and I appreciate that a lot. There is always something new to learn about on your channel.

[@kyonkyon2010]

The smartest thing we all required from most fields. “Budget friendly solution”

[@OurFantasyLife]

This is quickly becoming my favorite channel on KZbin.

[@MarkusPix]

Awesome!

[@quickfactsanimals]

I love how you manage to solve these lighting problems the old-fashioned way.

[@tsftm4192]

Markus = The McGyver of creativity !!! I can't believe this channel doesn't have 1M subs yet

[@artistjoh]

Huh! I have used scrims for reducing the light on subjects, and used nylon on the lens, but never thought of using sheer black material behind the subject like this. I love it. Thank you Markus. And thanks to your lovely wife for her help!

[@MarkusPix]

Thanks

[@sergeantcrow]

ND for Windows ? Brilliant... I never knew about that.... or ever considered the idea of darkening a window....

[@Mafon2]

Didn't you ride a car? I thought every car has nd film on windows.

[@sergeantcrow]

@@Mafon2 Oh yeah ! Duh !

[@milak6298]

Might even work on Linux :-)

[@itsRonDavis]

I feel terrible having not paid for all this work... thank you. I am beyond grateful for all the efforts.

[@MarkusPix]

That's so nice of you Ron, thanks!

[@mike.thomas]

Dude! Just discovered your channel via “Why I Don’t Shoot RAW...”, and then watched this immediately after. At first I was wondering why you don’t have more views, but now I see your channel is pretty new. I look forward to catching up, and then more 👍 I have hundreds of vids on various topics, but got burned out over time. I’m hoping to get inspired to do more, and I think your channel will help. Edit: I see now that you’ve actually been at it for a while. It’s a travesty you don’t get more views. KZbin is freaking weird. I wanted to add that I have an idea how much time you spent on just this one video: a ton! And so packed with info. Thanks :-) Edit 2: While you were trying the two layers of fly screen I found myself saying “separate them by a few inches!” (but knowing it would be a more complex setup). The chiffon was a great fix.

[@fletcherbrown728]

It doesn't seem POSSIBLE that I could have watched KZbin videos on cameras, video, and audio production for two years without discovering this channel. Reviews on equipment and techniques are in another universe of professionalism. The time, energy, thought, scripting, and production are like NOTHING else. Don't believe it. Just go watch his reviews of mics or recorders and then combine any other 10 KZbin VIDEOS and you will still fall short of the quality content in his one production.

[@vjcodec]

Markus looks like that surfer dude from most stoner movies, but talks like the scientist/specialist from bond movies. Love it!

[@sharpfocus5]

Bravo! Not just for this solution but for the experimental approach.

[@Unboxreviewwithpeter]

Alot of your videos look like old shool film vibe and really organic look which is fantastic. Love it. Learn a lot from your channel.

[@jasonhutter7534]

As a freelance writer and photographer who isn't independently wealthy, i love your tips and experiments. You have a new, devoted subscriber. I actually stumbled on a few of your ideas out of necessity a long time ago, but you put charisma into the the DIY ethic. Thanks.

[@MarkusPix]

Thank you and welcome Jason!

[@johnwoods9380]

This is your absolutely best video. You try various solutions and show the results. Try everything!

[@DavidMNewbold]

This was a brilliantly simple and inexpensive solution to a common problem.

[@user-eh8jv2em2o]

This is an insanely wise solution. I'm amazed.

[@GeriMars]

Wow! What a great idea. I love it! If any shutterbugs are looking for an excuse to buy a bigger car, here it is. 😊 Pantyhose were invented in the late-1950s. Early film cinematographers/photographers probably used ladies silk and later nylon stockings.

[@robwasnj]

Digging back through your old videos and really enjoying them. Love how you cover techniques and alternate ways to do things without always having to buy more gear.

[@FocalPoint-xh6bi]

You should mass produce a foldable version of this!

[@unclemick-synths]

Another visit to the hardware store for plastic piping 😀

[@bluenoser1567]

Chiffon is a great choice! Very light and less prone to large wrinkles ... Cheers

[@TigerPaw193]

Markus, I've seen several of your videos, but this is my first time commenting. This was sheer genius! 📷 And thanks for going down all the false starts along the way so we can see that x, y, and z either have major downsides or just plain don't work. It's like a giant photography lab session. Super helpful and great fun.

[@Abbysteel3456]

I used to love taking photos and posting my beauty of seeing things might be different than others i didnt care if i had likes it was a hobby for me. Thanks for sharing Marus always fun to hear your explanations and experiences. ❤

[@nancyyesko9202]

Incredible difference, I would have never thought of even trying the screen/fabric. ❤️

[@michaheinrich9919]

Holy shit, i thought You are a goofy guy with superficial knowledge but You ACTUALLY know Your craft. RESPECT!

[@MarkusPix]

well I am kinda goofy

[@michaheinrich9919]

@@MarkusPix just the right amount, cheers! The world would be better with more positive peeps like You!

[@squierplayer]

Last year College GameDay came to my town and I got to film them for 4 days. They used a huge netting around their set too. Originally I had thought maybe it was to stop any objects if people threw bottles or anything at the talent, but then I realized it was actually to keep the background from being blown out as the sun moved through the sky during the morning.

[@larryvaughn5843]

I think it is for both reasons. Now, where to find that size of black netting?

[@michaelmurchie2248]

This is awesome! The chiffon is a game changer for my Super 8 films. Thanks so much for your vids!

[@joeframo3347]

Hey Marcus hello to you and your wife another great video 🌞

[@golfbulldog]

Learnt so much from this video and many of your others, thank you! You somehow combine an enthusiasm to just "play" and experiment with light with a veteran's knowledge and experience of techniques. So many of us lose the ability to play and potentially fail, so stop trying. Your enthusiasm is inspirational. Keep on doing this kind of stuff please!

[@MarkusPix]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@LukeKwan78]

This is amazing content Markus! No one else like u on this platform

[@Jwitherow1964]

Keep teaching sir I lean ever time I watch you. Rock on

[@lorraine6185]

Thanks Markus, you really make me think outside the box.

[@sharvo6]

I always finish your videos with ideas spinning. thanks!

[@DerVagabundli]

Your videos just radiate so much joy! I don't even make videos but still end up watching a bunch of your tutorials and end up smiling. Thanks

[@adaleoneal]

I love your presentations. You radiate all that comes from the LOVE basket. Mahalo

[@chichivalles6352]

I wish I found this channel earlier... i spent a fortune buying gears etc etc.. damn good stuff..

[@Estirvana]

This is just insane. I know little about videography, and this really shows how cool this practical effect is!

[@ikbalaydin80]

I am so happy to watch and inform from a "REAL" proffetional .. Thank you a lot 🙏

[@blockbusterlatefees7713]

The two layers is awesome! Thanks for sharing this idea very cool!

[@filmmaker5457]

Nice positivity and keeping the viewer engaged. For once, I didn't tune out. Excellent!

[@MarkusPix]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@donho6523]

Awesome hack! Going to buy a piece of dark chiffon now! I think I will bring it with me on my next vacation and just tape it to my hotel window. thanks Markus!

[@kenrickhadley4499]

From the mind of Marcus. All your years of film making has made you resourceful. So many Hollywood movies had some crazy ideas to get a movie completed. You, more than anyone else has made me love my life and cameras and photography.

[@IslandFilmMaker]

What an easy inexpensive alternative that can be used almost anywhere! Considering the costs for ND filters and expensive light setups to balance ambient with artificial this is sweet! Thx Markus 🍻

[@Lion-Heart-666]

i am so grateful that you exist, sharing your knowledge. thank you.

[@Zainphotography]

unbelievable efforts put in by this couple. amazing information and great work as and quality. :-)

[@BentleyLifeStylePhotography]

I really appreciate the information you share Markus. Also love your approach to life with your wife, such a refreshing channel.

[@pushingprimitives]

This channel is quite unlike anything else on KZbin. Love this guy, such a real personality.

[@OttoRascon]

Wow, I love your enthusiasm, so child-like and infectious!!! Thank you for this amazing idea. I'm sure it'll work for stills as well so I'll definitely give it a try. You rock!

[@DavidPeraza3402]

I tought of this before... thanks to you now i know it's more affordable than i imagined. Thank you so so much... This really is very helpful.

[@memathews]

Fantastic! With over 40 years of theatre lighting and dealing with scrims on dream sequences I still *never* thought about using this in photography or video outside or against a window background. I'm stunned (and really stupid according to my gaffer buddy who just texted me back to say "duh," I guess this is a film-world trick for CU).

[@The-Weekend-Warrior]

I can't even express how much I love your videos Markus. Thanks for all the love and ingenuity you put in there!!!!

[@codyfleming]

omg man. you are the coolest guy, living the coolest life. I love watching your content. You are inspiring, joyful and respectful, traits something humanity needs more of. I appreciate you.

[@MarkusPix]

Thanks Cody!

[@NURSENOMADICRx]

Wow that’s instant education without paying high expensive courses online thank U Sir

[@flightographist]

Top shelf tip, I have a patio door screen frame in my shed...I knew I would find a use for it eventually.

[@FreddieStreeterYT]

You can always tell the truth, and you sir are the truth. Great tut...

[@iSleepDoc]

Markus, the genius!!! I can’t express how grateful i’m to be a follower of your channel….. you’re an inspiration to everyone if they can see it!!! Thanks buddy

[@pixelfr33k]

The world is full of funny coincidences when you are open to what the universe is offering. I was just watching a video of a woman in the uk who does amazing boudoir photos. She creates an amazing soft image by attaching light colored chiffon to filters. Now with your video im learning even more practical uses for fabrics in the studio.

[@DAHCKRAM]

Dude... I love your videos and ideas so much... You are by far my favorite KZbinr... Thanks

[@WilsonSilverthorne]

Great video - it's easy to feed off your fun enthusiasm. I watch your videos with a smile on my face and always go away with something to try out. Love your simplicity/experimental perspective for photography. You definitely find happiness in all kinds of things, which is cool to see and sometimes easy to forget. You rock dude! Thanks!

[@andysuzierawlins5462]

I agree

[@joyoffilming9500]

Fully agree!

[@cowboy6591]

I love the salt of the earth, layman photographers point of view you have. You never lose focus on the fact that most of us out here do not bare the last name of Rockefeller. You even mentioned my favorite back up camera, the Canon M50!!

[@AskJoe]

Simply amazing. The seed of every great invention is somebody like Markus thinking outside the box.

[@HowlingWolves77]

Ok. This is just awesome! Thanks for the great ideas Markus!!

[@jamesmorrissey35]

Hi Markus, You do have an amazing experimental creative possibilities! You do have a wonderful sense of wonder and Photographic intuition! Sir.

[@MarkusPix]

Thanks James

[@andysuzierawlins5462]

Thanks Markus for your innovation and wacky ideas, love your video's, they're really cool and fun

[@breadofcomfort]

Great find. Thanks.... Now need to find a way to stick the frame into my backpack 😀

[@PMV2012]

Great video .....would never thought of using chiffon

[@chrstphrdyer]

Good for you for being smart. You’re very special. 👍

[@fortwoods]

You are like my uncle. He was a genius hippie who knew how to do amazing things without spending a bunch of money. I love it.

[@roystansell7640]

Very interesting for sure! Thank you and thank you camera conspiracy for mentioning this channel

[@unclemick-synths]

Excellent video. All that counts is what the lens sees! 👍

[@wkuhlewind8928]

Keep being crazy and wacky! I learn so much!!!

[@joeframo3347]

Yeah Marcus that's very cool some of the tricks of Hollywood I learn something new 🌞

[@cheryllewis1697]

I love it! That’s a great look. I have noticed you squinting into the light before in outside shots. This is a brilliant fix.

[@vxhviet]

I know that you don't care about subscription but you should definitely deserve more subscription. You're putting out real industry knowledge unlike those so call KZbinrs that just want to push products.

[@MarkusPix]

Thank you

[@TCASHTV2020]

every thing you have done has been a winner idea thanks for making it simple and helping me find it back to who I once and at peace what life hands you Simplicity is excellence

[@ftlbaby]

Brilliant! You are a god of practical experimentation.

[@michaelajoseph6856]

Thank you Markus! I greatly appreciate your videos!

[@PWN_Nation]

Dude, you're so stoked when that chiffon worked! Like, palpable...

[@homeplaceflorida]

Markus, thank you for sharing this excellent technique

[@surfing4theloveofit]

So cool, I remember using panty hose, or stockings over the lens in the 70s to soften facel features, you can still use it today, like you say nothing is impossible, love your channel, rick from Australia.🤪👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@gillesmatheronpro]

... in Hollywood, yes. And all other places where films are being produced. Your European side shows in the pronunciation of French words, you get "chiffon" and "moiré" almost flawlessly... well done !

[@alexbabu7527]

One of the best channel I came across 🙌

[@hanchee2664]

Great ideas for shooting videos. You bring a lot of your experience from the old days to today.

[@BIGDAGGIE1]

This guy's cheaps out on everything but his hair and i like that

[@princequestly2218]

Stretch chiffon right onto a frame that you would stretch canvas on to paint. this is a great idea 💡

[@tubadylan]

What a fun experiment. Thanks for sharing, Markus!

[@lawrencescofield7575]

Appreciate the videos as always Markus. Cool ideas that are always useful.

[@rolosaenz]

Markus , 1.1234^28 Thanks!! love your crazy ideas that.... just works !!! keep those creative juices flowing !!

[@LA3198]

Fun stuff. Markus, I like your creativity.

[@cryptotrader2779]

Really cool effect that totally transforms the background. I got no use for it, but love the idea and creativity of it all.

[@MarkusPix]

Glad you like it!

[@nicetom33tyou]

This is great! Another cheap hack I've found is a peak design removable camera strap alternative - buy two trigger/lobster clasps for £2 and put them on your normal strap. Win. At least for Sony cameras, the clasps can attach on to the triangular shape things on the camera

[@DJLsbVapes]

My god, what a great solution!!!

[@edilbear]

I like your stuff. I always wanted to DIY my way to affordable but effective alternatives to video and photography. Thanks for trying things for us so we won't have to.

[@justinhaller2055]

Rosco gels are awesome. I like how your find cheap solutions.

[@Jakeoni]

Now I am wondering what happens when changing the color of the chiffon to a blue, would it enhance the sky? I am going to have to test that when I get the chance. Keep it up brother.

[@bongkem2723]

pls come back to this thread once you finish your test !

[@MarkusPix]

Yes that's why i said in the video to use blue, which adds blue, or white which makes a whitish foggy haze. In Hollywood, they are called scrims and I've been personally using them since 1983

[@freshbakd]

Really good example of what can happen without the aa filter.

[@omegaman1409]

I am glad you are making more videos. I have been a subscriber for over a year. Best informative entertainment on KZbin for the photographer.