3D modeling by photo is used when it is not possible to recreate a 3D model from drawings. In addition, this technology allows for modeling of large geographical or industrial objects without in-situ measurements. In addition, this type of modeling is useful for remote measurements in conditions where human presence may be unsafe.
Games and movies
Building a 3D model from a photograph is often used in the game industry and animation to draw characters. Real people are taken as a basis, or rather their photos, and the model is made from them. This technique allows you to realistically convey facial features and facial expressions.
Many famous actors gave the appearance of cartoon characters (and not only people). Lucy Liu became Viper from “Kung Fu Panda”, and Rihanna is the girl Tip from “Home”.
Prototyping
3D modeling from a photograph is used to create a prototype of a product. For example, if you have a plastic case and you need a similar product, you can take a photo of the existing one. As a result, you will get a 3D model that you can adjust. This will help you evaluate the functionality of the product even before you start mass production.
Design
Making a 3D model by photo is sometimes used in industrial design. This allows you to quickly assess the scope of work to create a full working model. However, this method is not suitable for creating complex products. In this case, it is better to create a 3D model from scratch.
If you want to get an accurate model of an object, you need to follow a few rules for shooting the object.
- The object should always be in focus. It is best to place it on a moving platform, and fix the camera statically at a small distance (if the object is small). This will allow you to rotate the object by a given angle, and it will always be in the center.
- If the object is too large to rotate (e.g. a car), you will have to rotate the camera. This complicates the process of shooting – in each angle you need to strictly maintain the distance to the object, which requires additional calculations. In this case, you can consider other options – call a specialist to take photos or measurements. It is also worth considering the option of taking measurements directly from the object.
- tripod should be equipped with a “level” for strict positioning of the camera in the vertical and horizontal planes.
When creating a three-dimensional model from a photo, you need at least three photos of the object: side, front and top. A half-profile photo will help make the model more accurate, but is not required for inanimate objects.