Creating a 3D effect with image editing software (GIMP or Photoshop)
Here's how to make a neat effect to make it look like the subject of a photo is popping out of the background. This can be done with GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) or Photoshop.
I use GIMP because it is a free open source program with just about all the features and capabilities of Photoshop, and is easy to use. Because I use GIMP, all the menu directions and screen shots will be GIMP specific. However, Photoshop is set up very close to the way GIMP is, so it shouldn't be to hard to find the right tools. If someone wants to post the Photoshop menu directions in the comments, I'll edit them in.
GIMP for Windows is available
here. (Unix and Mac versions are in the sidebar)
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step 1Get a good base photo
A good base photo will have a prominent subject with strong lines, and an uncluttered background. You should also use as high a resolution image as possible.
I will be demonstrating the technique with a picture of my RC truck, a Traxxas Rustler. For the unfamiliar, this truck isn't one of the cheap-o toys you get at Wally-World for $50. Its a hobby-grade RC from a company called Traxxas. "Hobby-grade" means its built to be completely user serviceable and upgradeable. They are also available with either electric motors or nitro engines (think top fuel dragsters). The body you see on it is one that I painted myself. RC makes a great hobby, and I'd recommend it to anyone. You can get some budget-minded models for as little as $130, or get a high-end model that might cost upwards of $700. Regardless, its a very fun hobby.
But I'm getting sidetracked, on to the instructable!
out:{ top: 0.09595959595959595, left: 0.08928571428571429, width: 0.8660714285714286, height: 0.7828282828282829, text:"Here is my base photo. Its good because it has a prominent subject with strong lines and an uncluttered background.\n\nThe truck pictured is a hobby-grade RC from Traxxas called a Rustler." }
Here is my base photo. Its good because it has a prominent subject with strong lines and an uncluttered background. The truck pictured is a hobby-grade RC from Traxxas called a Rustler.
Andrew546
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step 2Set up your layers
Open up a new, blank image with the same dimensions as your base photo. Make this layer whatever color you want your background to be. (I chose gray) Alternately, you could use a pattern or another image as your background.
Next, open the base photo as a layer. Doing it this way makes it easier to work with, since you can't move anything behind the background layer created when you open up an image. You'll see why its important to have the original photo in the second layer soon.
Finally, create a new transparent layer for the frame.
out:{ top: 0.37142857142857144, left: 0.5446428571428571, width: 0.43214285714285716, height: 0.45476190476190476, text:"Set up your layers like this" }
Set up your layers like this
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step 3Make the frame
Draw a rectangle about the same size as your subject on the transparent top layer.
Fill it white with the bucket fill tool
Shrink the rectangle (Select>Shrink) by about 50 pixels, more or less depending on the size of you picture.
Cut out the center (Ctrl-x)
You now have a frame.
out:{ top: 0.5379464285714286, left: 0.14821428571428572, width: 0.1375, height: 0.17857142857142858, text:"Frame about the same size as your subject." }
Rectangle tool
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Select>Shrink Shrink by about 50 pixels, depending on the size of your image.
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Frame about the same size as your subject.
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step 4Distort the perspective of the frame
Now use the perspective tool (either from the toolbox or Tools>Transform Tools>Perspective) to distort the frame's perspective so it matches the subject.
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again, this time lined up with the front axle line.
Andrew546
Tools>Transform Tools>Perspective Then just click and drag.
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Align the rectangle to the lines of the subject to get a good approximation of the correct perspective.
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step 5Create the layer mask
Right click on the layer with the photo, and select "Add layer mask". In the dialog box that comes up, select "White (full opacity)".
Layer masks allow you to easily cover the parts of the layer you don't want to show. To cover something up, paint it black - the layer mask makes where ever you paint black transparent. If you mess up, just paint the messed up area white, and it will show again.
Start by tracing around the frame and the part of the subject outside the frame, and fill the background black (transparent). Once you have a rough outline, zoom in real close and use a fuzzy brush to take the layer mask right up to the edge of the subject.
Once you are happy with your layer mask, right click on it in the layers list, and select "Apply layer mask".
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Rough layer mask
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step 6Put the frame behind the subject
Now, turn the opacity of you frame layer down to about 50. This will allow you to see exactly where your subject goes underneath the frame. Now erase any part of the frame that hides the subject, and blur the edges where the frame meets the subject.
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set the opacity of the frame layer to 50
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step 7Add shadows
Now its time to add shadows. The way I do it is with the airbrush tool set to about 60-70% opacity, working on the background layer so that the shadows will be behind everything. Just paint along two edges of the frame, trying to match as best you can the lighting from the original photo.
Next, add shadows to the subject outside the frame in the same way. When you doing this, it helps to have the original photo open so you can refer to it as you paint.
out:{ top: 0.5133928571428571, left: 0.45357142857142857, width: 0.15357142857142858, height: 0.12723214285714285, text:"Add shadows" }
It helps to have the original open for reference.
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Airbrush
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Add shadows
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step 8Show it off!
There you go! You subject is now popping out of the picture! This technique can be applied to many subjects with excellent results. Try adding you own variations, such as multiple frames, patterns or photos in the background, etc. The possibilities are endless.
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There you have it! It looks like your subject is sticking out of the the picture.
Andrew546
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