Using images and footage as custom particles in Trapcode Particular isn’t something new, in fact, it was done even in the earliest versions of Particular. Although I have used images as custom particles countless times, I haven’t really used footage as particles other than for smoke or debris. While browsing through the free Magic Stock Footage Pack from Video Copilot, I saw some very inspiring and potentially awesome elements that would make an awesome custom particle for a particle system! Here’s my take on it through a motion graphics standpoint.
By layering, changing blending modes, and color correcting a few elements from the pack, I was able to create a somewhat interesting particle. Note that the particle is not an image but actual moving footage in a precomposition. I then brought that precomposition into my main composition where I told Particular to use that precomposition as my custom particle. There are many ways to use a custom particle in Particular, I chose to use a ‘Sprite’ but you could alternatively use ‘Textured Polygon’ under “Particle Type”. What’s the difference you might ask? Sprites are oriented to always face the camera while Textured Polygons have their own 3D orientation or rotation. (they are not always facing the camera)
With a few tweaks and color grade, you can achieve a pretty abstract but magical results! I just thought I’d share this to maybe spark some inspiration into some of you and introduce sprites/textured polygons to those who did not know about them.
Could you please post a sample project? This could be applied to many other kinds of footage as well. Well done!
Unfortunately I cannot post a sample project as the project file includes some footage elements I’m not allowed to distribute. Yes, any footage would work, it’s just a matter of finding the right footage and tweaking it to make awesome stuff! Thanks for your support!
nice, looks really clean. is there some trapcode shine being used in your example?
Thanks for the feedback! Nope, just a simple glow and Trapcode Starglow to get that nice light streaks
jealous hehe
this is purely unique !! love it
Thanks for the support man!
truly amazing man
Can you please make a tutorial for the same
Thanks
Very Nice But without Tutorial !!!!
please Give me a tutorial for his nice work
Wow Trapcode Tuts would be fantastic to see more of man like custom particles such as this and also environment tuts like the soft light with the dust floating through the air. All that stuff would be so handy to improve on. Cheers man
Thanks for the support man! I’ll keep your suggestion ideas in mind