Question Compositing

Comp wiz

Hi everybody I am new to this fourum. I have headr about adding a 3D object to a 2D picture but I have no idea how to do it. If anyone could explain how to do this that would be great.

PS: I am new to this whole compositing thing so pleas try and explain so I can understand.

Comp wiz

oh yea I forgot to say this. I use Maya as my main modeling program

Mark Dygert

I'm sure Maya does this but since I only have access to max right now I'm going to lay the theory on you and hope that helps.

You should be able to set a viewport background to the 2D image. It will help you position your 3D model. If that is not an option. You can create a single plane the the same size ratio of your 2D image. Place a camera in front of it and use it as a mini stage. You can switch your view to the camera to line up the plane better.

There is a material called MatteShadow (might be called something different in maya) you can apply to dummy objects like a ground plane to render out just shadows.

I recommend that you set up a camera to render from instead of using a viewport. You should be able to control the lens on the camera and better match the fish eye effect that all lenses do. Also set your render size to match the 2D image size, you can then turn on safeframe viewport clipping(I forget what maya calls it) and it will crop the viewport to show you exactly what will render. Turning on safeframe will also fix any distortion the viewport is doing by stretching the image to fit the view port, if it happens...

When you are ready to render save your files out as a 32bit TGA with an alpha channel. Then use that alpha channel as a mask when you composite.

SkullboX

The above is pretty much all you need to know.

[ QUOTE ]
There is a material called MatteShadow (might be called something different in maya) you can apply to dummy objects like a ground plane to render out just shadows.

[/ QUOTE ]That's called the 'use background shader' in maya.

[ QUOTE ]
Also set your render size to match the 2D image size, you can then turn on safeframe viewport clipping(I forget what maya calls it) and it will crop the viewport to show you exactly what will render. Turning on safeframe will also fix any distortion the viewport is doing by stretching the image to fit the view port, if it happens...

[/ QUOTE ]Resolution gate, under view -> camera settings -> resolution gate (toggle).

Eric Chadwick

Found this on Google. HDR is a great way to light your 3D meshes so they'll fit in the 2D scene.
http://www.highend3d.com/maya/tutorials/rendering_lighting/general/301.html

Comp wiz

Thanks for all of the tips I will try them out.