A 3D photo-montage is a photograph combined with 3D CGI elements which blend seamlessly together. Photo-montages are usually produced to visualise buildings or structures which are under construction or are still at the planning stage. To create an image like this you need a 3D package, for example 3DS Max or Cinema 4D, and also a photo editing package like 'photoshop'. A photograph of the scene, plans of the proposed structure and a survey of the area for ground levels.
First of all you need to examine to detail the original photograph. You need to decide which elements of the picture need modeled and to how much detail. Some sections of the photo can be left out if very little to none needs modeled. Thinking about reflection and light in the photo is another element of the picture you need to examine.
When you begin the modelling stage it is important to work to a scale of 1:1 so the lighting reacts to the scene as realistically as possible. Import all views of the structure into the 3D package and set these to scale. The method I use is to create a parametric box and give it a length corresponding to a large distance in the scene for example the length of the whole building and then scale the corresponding elevation view to match.
While modeling keep in mind to model the surrounding features such as house eves, lampposts to the accurate scale and level. This will cause less problems when it comes to the camera matching stage.
When the scene is modelled, import the photograph into the 3D visualisation package as a background and create a camera. You need to position the camera as closely as possible to match the scene. A good method is to draw a spline around the site at the correct level in the 3d package and hide all elements apart from the surrounding elements and the spline. If you know what lens was used to take the photograph put the same settings into the virtual camera settings(If not 35mm is a good starting point). Then adjust the camera until everything lines up as much as possible, you may need to also adjust the 'focal length' settings but only touch this if the camera is not lining up correctly. When you're happy, unhide all the geometry needed for the montage and hide everything else. Then light the scene as closely as possible to the photo - study the height and direction of the sun and match the virtual lights accordingly.
When you've finished these stages and your happy, it's time to render the scene. Do this with 'Alpha Channel' but remember not to include the photograph as a background. By opening the render and photo in Photoshop you can layer them and blend the exposure and cut any elements that are in the foreground. This is to ensure the CGI element glues everything to the photograph.
First of all you need to examine to detail the original photograph. You need to decide which elements of the picture need modeled and to how much detail. Some sections of the photo can be left out if very little to none needs modeled. Thinking about reflection and light in the photo is another element of the picture you need to examine.
When you begin the modelling stage it is important to work to a scale of 1:1 so the lighting reacts to the scene as realistically as possible. Import all views of the structure into the 3D package and set these to scale. The method I use is to create a parametric box and give it a length corresponding to a large distance in the scene for example the length of the whole building and then scale the corresponding elevation view to match.
While modeling keep in mind to model the surrounding features such as house eves, lampposts to the accurate scale and level. This will cause less problems when it comes to the camera matching stage.
When the scene is modelled, import the photograph into the 3D visualisation package as a background and create a camera. You need to position the camera as closely as possible to match the scene. A good method is to draw a spline around the site at the correct level in the 3d package and hide all elements apart from the surrounding elements and the spline. If you know what lens was used to take the photograph put the same settings into the virtual camera settings(If not 35mm is a good starting point). Then adjust the camera until everything lines up as much as possible, you may need to also adjust the 'focal length' settings but only touch this if the camera is not lining up correctly. When you're happy, unhide all the geometry needed for the montage and hide everything else. Then light the scene as closely as possible to the photo - study the height and direction of the sun and match the virtual lights accordingly.
When you've finished these stages and your happy, it's time to render the scene. Do this with 'Alpha Channel' but remember not to include the photograph as a background. By opening the render and photo in Photoshop you can layer them and blend the exposure and cut any elements that are in the foreground. This is to ensure the CGI element glues everything to the photograph.
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