3D Software + Photoshop

[trssrrs]

Hi,
do you use 3D software in addition to photoshop in your works,
to create some specific environment, some room interiors, lightning effects,
or some characters, ...?
Any software that works better than others, easy to learn and to use?
I don't want to do animation, just looking for something that complements what I do now with photoshop.
Silo, Zbrush, Maya, C4d, 3ds max, Blender, ....?
I've just found that there's tones of them, and I'd like to start studying one, but
which one? I've checked some 3d forums, and I'm more confused every day...

Any recomendation and comment on how you use them for your work would be great.

Thanks!

[trssrrs]

Hi,
do you use 3D software in addition to photoshop in your works,
to create some specific environment, some room interiors, lightning effects,
or some characters, ...?
Any software that works better than others, easy to learn and to use?
I don't want to do animation, just looking for something that complements what I do now with photoshop.
Silo, Zbrush, Maya, C4d, 3ds max, Blender, ....?
I've just found that there's tones of them, and I'd like to start studying one, but
which one? I've checked some 3d forums, and I'm more confused every day...

Any recomendation and comment on how you use them for your work would be great.

Thanks!

[trssrrs]

I've just moved this post to Synthetic Imaging forum.
sorry

[rfeldman1]

Try Luxology Modo.

[pixel_monkey]

Based on your interest, I'd suggest Modo as well. Modo has a great modeling tool and a sculpting tool as well. It has a decent renderer and a very easy to use UV unwrapping tool, which is a time saver when it comes to texturing.

If you're not familiar first thing about 3D, I'd suggest you to stay away from programs made by the industry giants. Highend 3D programs, such as Maya, 3DS Max, XSi, and Houdini all have a very high learning curve and also very expensive.

Silo seems promising for 3D modeling as the cheapest alternative, but it doesn't have a renderer. However, you can export your 3D models to Blender or POVray (both are free) and render your 3D models that way.

ZBrush is just an amazing 3D sculpting program. It's great if you're into organice modeling, but not so good for non-organic. You'll also need to have a separate 3D program with a capable renderer to accompany with it. It integrates very well with Maya.

C4D is also a good choice for you. It has a rendered that's capable of rendering photo realistic stuff. It also not that hard to learn. I personally know a couple of 2D visual effect artists working in Hollywood that didn't know jack about 3D. They picked up C4D and within a fairly short time they were able to implement that program in a production environment. Well, they're also very competent artists so YMMV.

For Photoshop work, all you need is a program that allows you to model and render out decent looking stuff. So, start with a lower end one and move to the big guys when you become more familiar with 3D.

[trssrrs]

Thanks for your answers.
For what I've seen so far modo seems the easyest one, and is the one I'm going to try.
I've just found a web (www.vertexmonkey.com) with lots of tutorials, so ... that's how my summer is going to be, there's a lot to learn!
I've also seen this terragen soft that's quite interesting, and it doesn't seem very difficult too, and may be useful for some works.
If it goes right, maybe in the future I try some other soft, but we'll see.
Well, I'll try to do something with them, and I may post the results...if the results are acceptable!
Thanks!

[pixel_monkey]

vertexmonkey looks like a great site. 3D requires a lot of commitment even if you were learning from the easiest program. Have fun learning the process, though.

Here's a site for inspiration.

http://cgtalk.com

[_Steve_]

I used to use 3d max, with some PS work. Nowadays, i try to keep is separate...dunno why...just feels more "real"

[plugsnpixels]

FWIW Photoshop CS3 Extended can import 3D models and rotate them, etc.

[jbrooklyn]

Is there any difference between 3dmax and Maya? In terms of modeling still product imagery is Modo just as strong as these programs, or do they offer some other benefit/realism that other programs don't have?

[Bob Nolin]

I would suggest Vue Infinite, which has a starter version (Vue Easel) for under $75 I believe. It's not meant for creating objects (as most of those mentioned here are), but for creating environments, which makes it great for photography backgrounds. I wrote a short article about it here. The article shows how I used Vue and Photoshop (and Painter) together to create an image. Hope you find it useful!

[pixel_monkey]

Originally Posted by jbrooklyn

Is there any difference between 3dmax and Maya? In terms of modeling still product imagery is Modo just as strong as these programs, or do they offer some other benefit/realism that other programs don't have?

Asking the differences between Maya and Max in the 3D world usually ends like PC vs Mac as you would expect. It goes nowhere. It all comes down to personal preference. Although both Maya and Max are owned by the same company now, but they'll never going to get integrated as one for many reasons. One thing I can tell you that's fair is that both Maya and Max are very powerful 3D programs. The only limit you can do with them all comes down to your skills, knowledge, and your imagination.
Modo is not in the same league as Maya and Max. It definitely lacks in advanced features, but that doesn't necessarily mean it can't do what you're trying to achieve for your purpose. Again, it depends on your skills.
If you're absolutely not sure, I'd suggest you to try out the trial version of these programs so you can at least get a taste of what they're about before you burn a hole in your wallet.

[mseydel]

I know this sounds like it's not helpful, but if you're trying your hand at 3d, you need to do a little experimenting to find a workflow that fits your style. As pixel_monkey suggested, run demo versions, try an app on someone else's machine, maybe even take a class. When you're in a class, you may be eligible for sweet deals on academic versions of software to test more 3d waters. Personally, I find that my pixel-pushing skills from Photoshop and Painter seem to lean me towards polygon and subd modelling. Nurbs are just confounding to me, though I can appreciate their flexibility. Due to that, I really enjoy Silo and am digging Zbrush more every day, but find that I may shift from Strata CX (which has a very Adobe-like interface and a great render engine) to Maya for output depending on what the project demands. Maya can give you stunning effects, but I've really never heard of a prodigy with Maya; it's learning curve reminds me of the weeder physics classes as an engineering student- but it is one of the industry standards.

[York]

Hi,

Here's an example of combining photography and basic 3D. Just used google sketchup and cheetah3D.
Background (prison) completely modeled in sketchup, rendering in cheetah3d, people and sofa photographed. Lots of postproduction in photoshop.

The more expensive packages (modo, cinema4d...) are far more expensive, more difficult. If you need al the nice possibilities like animation... than modo is my advice. You'ld be suprised how many wonderful things people model with google sketchup.

Greetings,

Kristof

[trssrrs]

Thanks everybody for your advice.
Vue and Sketchup added to the list ( I'm doing some backgrounds in sketchup to be used then in ps, just to try...)

[Verywierd]

If you are interested in creating environments and not original models, I would suggest you try Bryce 6. It is way easier to use than Max or Maya and much cheaper too. Have a look

http://www.daz3d.com/i.x/software/bryce/

[Bob Nolin]

Not sure, based on the above, if there's interest here, but I have put together a series of three articles about incorporating a 2D image into a 3D scene (created with Vue Infinite), and then finishing it in either Photoshop or Painter. You can read it here.

I'm also featuring RetouchPro in an article coming out later this week.

[Yowser]

If you're interested in learning any 3D program (or many other programs) subscribe to http://www.lynda.com/ They have great tutorials with supplied sample files and a variety of programs.