The art of creating 3D drawings is an ever-evolving process for any artist. There is a lot of software you can use, some of which are free. But if you have Photoshop, you can also use it to create 3D images. This article will show you how to create an anaglyphic image that can be viewed with 3D glasses.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Before You Begin
Step 1. Take a photo
Take photos for 3D viewing by taking a single photo, then sliding about 7-10cm to the left or right and shooting again. If your photo is digital, just open it in the software. If your photo is a hard copy, transfer it to a computer using a scanner. Or go to a photo printing lab and ask for a digital file (any file type is fine).
Once the photo is downloaded to your computer, rename it to make it easier to recognize it when you open it in Photoshop. Create a naming scheme for your workflow and stick to it. For example, the file name of a photo taken with the left eye is marked with the letters "KR," and the file name of a photo taken with the right eye is "KN."
Step 2. Buy 3D glasses
As you proceed, you may want to view the photo in 3D to see the result. You can buy or make 3D glasses.
Step 3. Create a Photoshop "Action"
Create a Photoshop template or "Action" file that you can use over and over again whenever you want to create a new 3D image. This will make the process more efficient. But because photos will vary greatly, you have to be careful, because each photo will likely require its own editing.
Part 2 of 3: Processing Images
Step 1. Open both photos in Photoshop
Open the right and left photo pair.
Step 2. Copy the right photo to the left photo
The right photo must be on a separate layer (already automatic).
Step 3. Open the menu "Layer Style
"Double click the right photo layer (it will be labeled "Layer 1" by default).
Step 4. Disable (uncheck) "Channel" "R
This option is generally under the “Fill Opacity” launcher.
Step 5. Click OK
Step 6. Slide "Background
"Select the "Background" layer. Then with the "Pointer" tool move the "Background" photo so that it aligns with the focal point on both photos. Wear glasses or use the "Multiply" layer style to align the focal points.
Step 7. Crop the photo
Crop the photo as needed.
Step 8. Save
Save the photo and you can use it for any purpose.
Part 3 of 3: Processing Photos the Complicated Way
Step 1. Open both photos in Photoshop
Once the right and left eye photos are opened, convert them to "Grayscale" by clicking the menu bar "Image," select "Mode" then "Grayscale."
Step 2. Change one of the photos
Change the “Channel” of the red, green, and blue left eye photo by re-entering the "Image," menu bar select "Mode" then "RGB" (the photo will still appear gray). Do not do this step on the right eye photo.
Step 3. Open the "Channels
"Now the left and right photos are ready to be combined. To begin with, make sure the left eye photo is still selected. Open the "Channels" view menu by clicking the "Window" menu bar and selecting "Channels."
Step 4. Turn on the blue and green "Channel"
Press the "Shift" key to activate both at the same time.
- An alternative step is to use only blue "Channel" instead of blue and green for the left eye photo.
- Important note: only blue and green "Channels" can be activated (click the layer until it turns bluish).
- At this point, it doesn't matter which box to the left of "Channel" shows the eyeball icon (the eyeball indicates which "Channel" is showing).
Step 5. Copy the right photo into the left photo
Go back to the right eye photo, select everything (go to the "Select," menu bar then click "all" or press "Ctrl+A") and copy it (go to the "Edit" menu bar and click "copy" or press "Ctrl+ C"). Switch back to the left eye photo and paste it (go to the "Edit" menu bar then click "paste" or press "Ctrl+V").
Step 6. Enable RGB color "Channel"
An eyeball icon will appear in all four "Channel" boxes. At this point you should see a blurry red and blue photo.
Step 7. Set "Channel" to red
You're almost done. But the left and right eye photos should be aligned well. Start by activating the red "Channel" only in the "Channel" display menu (it will turn bluish).
Step 8. Set the rest of the "Channels"
This step is important because it will make the red-toned photo moveable, while the blue-toned photo is still visible. Go to the RGB "Channel" and click only on the rectangular box on the left. An eye icon will appear on all four squares, but only the red "Channel" is active (the layer is bluish).
Step 9. Select a focal point
Select a point in the center of the photo to match. For example, if the subject of your photo is a person, the pupil of the eye is a good target. Enlarge the photo on the target by selecting the magnifying glass icon on the toolbar, then click on the target until it looks big enough.
Step 10. Slide the photo
Select the "Move Tool" in the upper right corner of the toolbar. With the up and down arrow keys, slide the red-tinged photo until your target fits and no longer shows the colored ring.
Step 11. Zoom out the photo again
Objects that are outside the target will still have a red or blue halo. In other words, the overall goal of this step is to limit the color tones as much as possible.
Step 12. Crop the photo
Remove excess red or blue from the edges of the photo, crop it using the "Crop Tool" which is also located in the toolbar (after you have outlined the photo with the tool, go to the "Image" menu bar and click "Crop").
Step 13. View photos
Your creation is ready to be seen. Put on 3D glasses (the left eye must be red) and see your photos jumping off the screen or out of print.
