Z-Axis Filming Tips
As we discussed in our article about The Camera Settings for Beautiful B&W Photography, there are two main axes of action in photography: vertical (or “z-axis”) and horizontal (or x- or y-axis).
The z-axis is what many refer to as the depth of field. This is the range of distances within your image where the focus stays relatively constant. Because this distance changes depending on how far away your subject is, it can be difficult to find a setting that has enough depth of field to make the whole scene look natural and not out of focus.
That’s why most nature photographers use either short focal length lenses or very close proximity to their subjects!
But with smart telephoto lens technology like those used for macro photography, you don’t have to worry quite so much about having enough depth of field because anything beyond your normal shooting zone is totally blurred.
This effect looks cool and adds some intrigue to the photograph, but it can also distract from the rest of the picture if too much of it exists. It is important to know when to use tight framing and when to let go.
In this article, I will talk more about using the zoom function of your camera to create some interesting depth of field and other effects.
Z-Axis Filming Tips
A very popular way to film videos is called z-axis filming. This is done by holding your camera with the lens oriented at a 90 degree angle from the body, and shooting as you move the camera up or down.
The reason this technique is so popular is because it allows you to create some really cool effects. By moving the camera along an axis other than the horizontal one, you can add some interesting layers to the video.
For example, taking a picture of something that is rising (like waves) will cause the water to roll over itself in effect looking more dramatic. Taking a portrait style photo will have similar results.
By doing this for several minutes, engaging shots can be created! These types of photos are referred to as time exposure photographs because you have control over how long you let the shutter stay open to get the right result.
There are two main reasons why people use z-axis photography. The first is artistic expression, we enjoy experimenting with different styles and seeing what happens. The second is practicality, they like to play around with vertical depth to see what looks best.
How to film on the z axis
The next important part of filming is actually recording what we like to call the z-axis or depth layer. This is also referred to as the depth value, leveler pass, or tone down passage.
In this layer, you reduce the intensity (or increase in contrast) of color by lowering the gamma (the brightness factor). Many software programs have an easy way to do this, but it’s always good to know how to do it manually as well!
The reason this is so important is because different colors light up at a different voltage level. For example, red is a bright red pigment which requires a high amount of electricity to be fully illuminated.
Blue is another material that takes lots of energy to shine. Therefore, when creating the z-axis for blue pieces, you need to use less current to bring out the full effect.
Grays are much more difficult than either of those two materials, they require just about the same wattage to work properly. This is why reducing the intensity of grays can sometimes look very cool!
There are many ways to achieve this effect, but here I will show one method using Photoshop.
Popular z-axis filming locations
When doing large group scenes, there are two important things to keep in mind when deciding how to film the scene. First, you need to make sure that all of your characters can clearly be seen. This means ensuring that none of them are hiding behind or next to another person, nor is anyone being completely obscured by someone else.
Second, you should consider whether it’s more effective to have some parts of the shot closer together (zoom out) and longer (focus for an extended period of time), or vice versa.
For example, if one character wants to talk to another, then the second character needs to be able to hear what they have to say. A long zoom would not only hinder their ability to do this, but could also distract the viewer’s attention from the other part of the scene.
So instead, the first character might choose to walk over to where the second character is sitting and just speak straight into their face, which breaks down the distance and removes the need for a longer focus. Or maybe they’d go up to the second character and lean in close so that their mouth is almost touching theirs…
In both cases, the rule still applies: make sure everyone is visible and aware of each other!
The same goes for moving vehicles. If the vehicle is traveling fast enough, then staying outside of it may be better than going inside of it, because again, people might get hidden.
Z-Axis Movie Trailers
One of the most common ways to see movie trailers is by watching “Z axis” or “parallel trailer videos.” You can find these online or at your local cinema.
A z-axis trailer goes from the top of the screen, down the side, under the film frame, up the other side, and then back up the initial half of the video. The effect is kind of like looking into a tunnel with bright lights flashing in and out.
These types of videos are great because you get some beautiful effects that look cool. What makes them special though is that you cannot tell what the movie is until it is fully finished.
This is not the case for normal movie trailers where people will know what the movie is before they play it. Because of this, many think that they give away too much information about the movie!
Movie studios use z-axis trailers to preserve the surprise element of the movie while also promoting the movie. People have discussed it being used as an efficient way to promote upcoming movies since there is no telling what could be happening in the movie until you have seen all of the footage.
Z-Axis Parodies
A z-axis parody is when someone adds dramatic weight to an action scene by doing something completely opposite of what the original movie or series would have you believe happens.
In many cases, these scenes are shot with professional production quality and feature all the extra decorations that professionals use. These additions are not limited to just the camera, but also the set and costume.
These types of shots always draw attention because they are so over-the-top. They become famous for their lusciousness instead of how well they tell the story.
Examples:
- In The Fast And Furious Movies, there’s a very funny moment where Dominic Toretto (Dwayne Johnson) fights Iko Ulo (Jeffrey Dean Morgan). During this fight, they stay in the same spot for several minutes while both combatants furiously punch, kick, and grapple each other.
After a few minutes, Iko grabs one of Dom’s guns off his waist and starts firing away at him. At this point, Dom realizes what he has done and tackles Iko down to get the gun.
What is Z-Axis Gold?
In filming, there are three main axes of projection: X-, Y-, and then the z-axis. The x and y axis are usually referred to as the horizontal and vertical axis respectively. However, when talking about camera movements in filmmaking, it is more appropriate to refer to them as the front or depth axis and back (or height) axis.
The other important axis is the z-axis. This one is special because it’s not just for cameras! You will probably have noticed this term while studying geometry before.
It applies to anything that has length along an up/down direction. For example, our bodies have a z-axis with every cell having a nucleus containing DNA. Or, your nose is a hardening structure made of bone and cartilage which also has a z-axis. These two examples show how crucial this axis is in growth.
When moving towards a target like a wall, door, or person, we must add distance between you and your goal. This process is called “cutting off” and it is what most filmmakers use to create dramatic suspense.
On film, the closer you get to something the longer the exposure becomes, building intensity and tension. When you cut off from someone or something, you have to wait for enough time to expose the difference, creating interest.
This concept can be applied to any situation where you need to draw attention.
Take advantage of 3D movie tickets
Having an additional axis to watch movies in is now common, even though it’s not always easy to use it effectively. Some people only know how to use it for viewing three-dimensional (3D) glasses or for watching TV shows that have been converted into 3D content.
If you are one of those people who enjoy watching regular 2D films, then you can still get some benefits from using z-axis film at your next movie event.
You will need special 3D compatible light bulbs for each individual cinema seat, as well as appropriate 3D software to view the movie. The technology works by adding an extra layer of depth when displaying images, which makes everything look more realistic.
It also allows viewers to feel closer to the screen, making it seem like they are part of the story being shown. This is particularly helpful for scenes with lots of action or dialogue.
3D movies are a lot of money
The technology for making three-dimensional (3D) films has been around since the 1950s, but it wasn’t until the late 2000s when it became mainstream. Since then, people have spent lots of money to watch 3D movies in theaters.
Most experts agree that adding the third dimension to film is expensive. That means there’s a cost associated with watching a movie in 3D every time you want to see one. And while some people may enjoy the effect once or twice, most viewers find the process too distracting to stick with.
But what if there was a way to get all the benefits of 3D without having to pay the full price? A company called Real 3D has designed and released an inexpensive pair of glasses that work just like normal pairs of shades, but add depth perception to your experience.
These glasses aren’t particularly stylish, but they do their job very well. They’re also much cheaper than other versions of 3D cinema equipment. If you're looking to save some cash, try out a couple of them and determine which ones fit your vision best.