Im trying to become a special fx/costumer designer for historical and military films. So i forced my best friend to be my scapegoat for a day. And i was trying to replicate special forces/Navy Seal face paint camo. So how did i do?
* this might not look that great, bcus he kept moving too.
Looks pretty good
I'm not sure about the US Army, but I did Cadets in Australia -- what they taught us was to find a pattern on the camo uniform, and replicate it on the face. The idea being that the shapes / colours / tones of the camoflage is what 'breaks up' the shape of a person in scrubland / bush / undergrowth.
By following a pattern on the uniform, you're keeping it consistant.
one thing i would say less is more.. in the british army its taught that if you put too much on it goes shiney and waxy and can "possibly" give away your position so don't put it on too thick.. But it looks good in the way of design!
If you can be seen, you can be hit. If you can be hit, you can be killed.
Camouflage Face Painting Tips for Hunters
How to Vanish: Part 2
You will notice that not everyone has the same ideas. I found to not overdo it, be fairly random, and not to make it too dark.
However, for the purpose of movies, you may find that what works on the real world might not work so well for the camera.....or the director.......or the actor.
Throw some fine sand or dirt onto it to cut down on the gloss, it also helps break up the IR signature.
Apply in the dark without a mirror; that would be an accurate look. Don't over think it.
Also, don't make shapes. Its meant to break up the contours of your facehook said:
Don't use camo compacts, use the tubes where you have to squeeze it out, next use black more as a blending tool, also pine needles are awesome, when you have your base coat of green and brown on, take the pine needles and rub them in the face paint, then slap it on your face, don't drag it. Like others have said, don't make a pattern with the paint
Last edited by mfgundlach; Jul 28, 2012 at 7:08 AM.
Here are a couple shots I took in the field sometime last year, that was applied quick, I didn't really use any black, it was just a quick covering as I had to get back to training students. Personally I hate cami paint, it makes you break out like it's cool, but sometimes it's necessary.
Unfortunately the pics in the first post don't work for me (red x).
I did Air Cadets in Canada and we learned to basically break up the recognizable pattern of the human face (as already mentioned)- so to do that you apply dark colours to the areas that would normally be highlighted such as your forehead, nose and cheekbones. Then apply lighter colours to the areas in shadow like the sides of your cheeks, around your eyes and neck.
Kevin
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