Photoshop® CS3 Extended Video and 3D Bible

Chapter 7. Creating Image Composites with 3D Objects

IN THIS CHAPTER

• Creating seamless composites

• Using the Cross Section settings

• Placing more than one instance of the same 3D model in a composite

• Using masks in a 3D composite

• Creating special effects in a composite

Now that you know how to manipulate, edit, and change the textures on a 3D object, you can learn how to put it all together to create composites. This is where all the tools you have learned about so far come together.

You can create a composite several different ways. You can combine two or more 3D files, combine a 3D file with an image file, or use several different kinds of files to create a multilayered, complex image. Throughout this chapter, you will find many examples of not only different composites, but also different effects that you can use on composites to create special effects.

Creating Seamless Composites

A seamless composite is an image that doesn't look like it's been created from more than one element. Even in this case, where you are going to be creating images that have a 3D object that doesn't look realistic in and of itself, you can create images that blend well. Creating a composite is a lot more than just combining two files together and hoping that they will mesh well. Placement, perspective, lighting, and color all play key roles in whether a composite looks great or whether it looks mashed together. This is just as true with 3D files as it is with image files.

Fortunately, there's a reason why a Photoshopped ...