Photoshop can do some amazing thing, but creating a 3D image out of something that is nothing more than a flat graphic or photo is pretty incredible. There's several different ways of doing this and smart photo editors know that each one has it's uses. To create a 3D shape you can use layers, postcards, 3D mesh, or you can create that “old school” 3D look with the red/blue image too – all from a single image in one program. That's impressive.
How to Make 3D Image
Start with Layers
Photoshop has several 3D shape presets including everyday
objects. When you create a 3D object using layers Photoshop wraps the premade
“shape” with the layer (like wrapping a present). This can then be turned,
positioned, resized and lit depending on how you want it to match the
background.
3D Mesh
To create a 3D object start by opening a photoshop document
with a background and your desired texture or wrap layer. Smart photo editors
know you always edit in layers so you background should actually be Layer 1 and
the actual background layer blank.
1.
Select the texture layer and then choose
3D>New Mesh from Layer>Mesh Preset> and then the wrap shape you want
then Yes to switch to the 3D workspace.
2.
Inside the 3D panel you'll be able to move or
roll the object so that it fits into your image's final composition. There is a
3D axis to see what angle the item is on and you can rotate or scale until it's
correctly placed.
3.
Choose the Camera in the lower left and adjust
the angle of the object until it's perspective is right. Once you're finished
go to File>Revert.
Create a 3D Postcard
A postcard is an item that is an object with 3d properties that uses planes instead of 3d (for example a postcard, or menu since the images on these items are 2d even though the item itself is not).
1.
To create a 3D postcard select the appropriate
layer then 3D>New 3D Postcard from Layer. You'll see that the original image
is applied to both sides of the layer.
2.
You can
then follow the same process as above for a 3D layer to create the right camera
angle and planes so that your postcard fits into the image appropriately.
Creating a 3D Mesh
1.
Select the layer which you want to use, cutting
out the object so that only this remains.
2.
Choose
Image>Mode>Grayscale then adjust it based on brightness until the image
is clear.
3.
Choose 3D>New Mesh from Grayscale and then
choose an appropriate option for how the image should be wrapped for 3D
rendering.
Useful?
Smart photo editors use 3D rendering for a variety of things
but it's ideal for putting a product that is only available in a 2D image into
a context that makes it seem 3D and part of the background image. For example,
if you don't want to have to send products to a photographer you can just send
them to smart photo editors who can “create” a 3D object of your product and
then put it into any background you want. No beach nearby? Place that beach bag
right into the sand of a background.
