Dragonframe Tether

Dragonframe Tether is a free app that allows you to use your iPhone, iPod Touch or iPad as a capture source in Dragonframe 4.

Getting the Apps

• On the iOS device get Dragonframe Tether from the App Store.
• On the computer install and authorize Dragonframe

Getting Started

1. On the computer open Dragonframe
2. Select Create New Scene from the dialog box, or open a previously created scene with Open Scene.
3. Name your production, 5 characters maximum.
4. Set the Frame Rate and click OK.
5. In the new window that opens browse to your desktop.
6. Click New Folder and give it a name and hit Create.
7. Select that folder and click Save.
8. Connect the iOS device to the computer via USB
9. Open Dragonframe Tether on the iOS device
10. Dragonframe should detect the back camera of the iOS device

Configuring Dragonframe

1. If you do not see the live camera feed from the animation stand press command R to refresh the live camera feed. 
   • a red outline will appear around the window signifying that live view is enabled.
2. Set the frames per second for playback speed:
   • 1's = 30fps 
   • 2's = 15fps
   • 3's = 10fps

Set the Aspect Ratio for the project

1. In the Animation window, click on the Guide Layers tab. 
2. Select Aspect Ratio Mask and choose 16:9 (rectangular),  4:3 (square) depending on the requirements for your assignment.
3. Adjust the mask opacity as needed. 
4. Select Aspect Ratio Lines and select Outline and/or Crosshairs as needed.
5. In the Aspect Ratio Mask section set the Aspect Ratio to match the 16:9 or 4:3 setting above.

Set Up Artwork

1. Arrange your artwork
2. Adjust you lights
3. Check for reflections

Lighting

• Try to have uniform lighting over your artwork.
• Try not to mix different light color temperatures if possible.
• Watch out for light sources that cloud change
  • Light from a window might change as clouds block the sun

Color Temperature

https://www.techradar.com/how-to/photography-video-capture/cameras/what-is-color-temperature-free-photography-cheat-sheet-1320923

• Different lights will have different color temperature ranging from red to blue
• The temperature is measured in a unit called kelvins
• Many bulbs will come with a specific kelvins label
• "Soft white" bulls around 2500 - 2700K

White Balance

In Dragonframe Tether you will need to select a color temperature for the white balance setting.

• Auto - This setting could change from shot to shot. Try not to use.
• Daylight - 5200K. Use if you are using daylight or daylight balanced bulbs
• Tungsten - 3200K - For studio lights
• Or choose a specific kelvin setting
• If you have bulbs with a specific kelvin rating try to match that setting

Cinematography Window

In Dragonframe, click on the camera icon   on the top right of the screen to enter the Cinematography window. 

Confirm the camera settings are:

1. • White Balance - See above
   • Image Quality - JPG
   • Flash - OFF
2. Set the ISO dial to be 100