3D Photographs—Camera projection technique
Tutorial: http://www.videocopilot.net/
Use this file for practice: http://www.parshina.com/ae_class/photo_3d.psd
* The above tutorial will help you build up your projected 3D environment. The second step is to set up your middle and foreground layers (in my case, four individuals) in that environment.
- Bring in a reference of the image as a flat file (import > footage > merge)
- In your composition, change the Y position of the 3D layers so they are touching the "ground" plane with their bottoms (they should be almost penetrating the ground layer). THIS IS IMPORTANT: Once you reach that position, don't use the Y position again, even if it looks like you should.
- Once you've defined the Y position, the layers will appear like they are still "floating" above the ground. Don't be deceived—it's an illusion caused by the fact that your layers are at an incorrect Z position. DO NOT USE THE Y POSITION TO FIX THE ISSUE. Use the Z position to move the layer closer or farther away, until the layer is aligned with it's proper place. Use the shadow in the ground plane as a reference.
- If the layers look too big or too small, scale them appropriately. Don't use the Scale transform property of the layer itself (it will scale from the center of the layer, raising it from the ground plane and making it float). Instead:
- Create a Null object (Layer > New > Null object)
- Copy the position of your layer and paste it to the Null object
- Lower the Null object (decrease Y position value) until it is aligned with the bottom of your layer
- Parent the layer to the Null object
- Use the Null object to scale down the layer—your layer will scale from the bottom, never leaving the ground plane