MANAGEMENT OF A PROJECT
1)PREPARATION Best way to work is next to your video projector but that is not always possible. In any case there are different ways to go. Resolution approach: you have to consider the specs of your video projector and match your project with the maximum resolution of the projector. Video approach: you want to set your work/project on PAL/NTSC standards ( for example 720X576 ) or HD in case you want to work with an HD projector.
2) THE BLUE PRINT Next thing would be in most cases to take a picture of the building or the object you are going to project on. This image will be used to get a layout to create masks or 3D references for your projection points.
This is the most delicate part of the process. You need to use a camera lens that has the same ratio as the projector lens. Then you place the camera beside or on top of the projector lens, and make the photo: what is important is that the camera lens is in exactly the same position as the projector lens.
Here you can see different examples of succesfull and unsuccessful photos:
In ‘map picture number 1′ and ‘map picture number 2′ we can see 2 examples of a bad camera positioning . These are the pictures Olga Westrate took from a different angle from the video projector lens. That camera angle of view is only critical with very wide and very narrow angles. So you only need to be accurate in selecting a camera lens if you are doing very short or long throw projections
3) SETTING UP
Video-mappers, like vampires, work at night. Or, if that´s not possible, they try to make their projection area as dark as possible. They are patient creatures and their first commandment is: setting up consumes a great deal of the time.
First of all, you have to place the projector exactly in front of the object you want to project on. Side projections are very unlikely to work.
You might need a distance measuring laser tool and can also use a bubble level to make sure that the position of the video projector lens is perfectly horizontal and that matches the camera lens position. Once the video projector is placed, and the cables have been carefully taped and protected, you can start your testing. It is also important to know that a projector is very sensitive to vibrations and weather conditions. You don´t want to see an ugly jittering image right in the climax of your show, and likewise you need to think about the variable weather conditions, so you should take measures and find a suitable stand and rain protection for the projector.