Green Screen Photography is quickly gaining popularity, especially with small studio owners who want to offer an innovative product that larger photography studios do not want to provide. Green screening, also known as chroma keying, is often the perfect edge that a small studio can use to blow the competition out of the water. And the studio can increase their customer base by branching out into the niche market of fantasy photography.

To begin with, there is the fantasy niche known as "sword and sorcery". Some examples include the role playing game "Dungeons And Dragons" and stories such as the "Lord Of The Rings". These pictures are shot with the client in an authentic costume, posed in front of the green screen with a suitable weapon, such as a bow and arrow, sword, or wand. Then, add digital background scenery such as breathtaking views of nature or ancient architectural structures — especially castles. Note: Affix a piece of nylon over the camera lens with a rubber band if the client desires a muted, mystical feel. Instant dreamy mystery.

Another popular fantasy niche is that of science fiction. Common settings for this genre would come from Star Trek, Star Wars and Babylon Five. Some interesting choices in this genre would come from Dr. Who, a show that crosses times and dimensions, and steam punk, in which Victorian-era characters operate modern technology. Inside of this niche there are thousands of cos-players (those who enjoy putting on a costume whenever they can) who adore having their picture taken. Great ideas for pictures would include replicating Star Trek's observation deck by shooting a large window with a field of stars behind it or imitating the cantina in Ten-Forward (by making the background a modern bar). Use the interior of an old Victorian house for a steam punk shot.

A niche that is often mixed in with these two previous ones, yet also deserves it's own category, is that of fairy tales. The photos feature fairies and other creatures found in these stories. For these use mystical landscapes that give a sense of mystery with just a hint of mischief in store. Don't assume that the fairy tale category only applies to young children or cos-players. Female high school seniors also enjoy these photo settings. Consider shooting their portrait with them in their prom dress, but then placing them in this mystical land. This ensures you provide them with instant magic and joyful memories.

Finally, the last niche which can fit inside of all of these, yet also is all by itself, is that known as Anime and video game cos-play. For these types of photos, look into a lot of Asian inspired locations (both interior and exterior) as well as dilapidated locations such as an old warehouse or the remains of an ancient civilization.

The most important factor to remember when you take a fantasy picture is that, no matter how odd or extravagant the costume is, and no matter where the setting is supposed to be, if you can make the photo realistic, your client will return to you time and time again.