3D Like Picture Effect
 

I'm trying to find out what will do a particular effect.

I'm referring to a 3DLike effect that I've been seeing in a lot of tv production lately where they will take a still and move in on it and then the subject seems to pop off the picture and at you while the camera continues to zoom on the background. Anyone seen this? I've seen it a lot on 48 hours and on a few IMAX HD specials.

Thanks in advance.

I -think- I know the effect you mean, Michael. It is eye-catching, isn't it?

I've wondered about this, too. I think it's basically a combination of Photoshop and perhaps After Effects (or some similar effects editor). Here's how I would approach it.

1. Scan the photo into Photoshop and extract the subject from the base layer. Create a 2nd image containing only the subject. The area surrounding the subject in this extraction must be a transparent alpha channel.

2. Drop both images into After Effects, placing the subject's image on the top layer. Place a slight drop shadow behind it to give the illusion of depth and increase its size slightly over the duration of your clip.

3. You might also want to slightly drop the relative brightness of the background still over the clip's duration, further creating the illusion that the subject has popped out of the photo.

Voila! You should have the effect you want. But be advised that this little 3-step process will probably take a great deal of skill and patience. I would budget at least 2-3 hours for a single photo, depending on your skill with Photoshop and After Effects.

Have fun!

Here is a link to a tutorial that might be helpful.

<<<-- Originally posted by Jeff Donald : Here is a link to a tutorial that might be helpful. -->>>

Thanks Ken, Thanks Jeff... after reading this it totally makes sense, taking the image and transforming it into layers then adjusting the layers, cool guys thanks for the headsup.

Miguel

glTIP
 

A somewhat similar technique with some extra features is covered here -

http://www.cs.ust.hk/~cpegnel/glTIP/intro.html

This method produces extra 3D effect by transforming the 2D picture into something like a pop-up picture book. It's possiible to move the POV to 'see' behind the foreground objects.