Compositing 3D Models Into Photographs Using Photoshop


In today’s tutorial, I will show you how you can use Photoshop CC’s 3D features to create a realistic composite between a 3D model and a Photograph.

You’ll learn how to place the 3D model in the proper perspective and apply materials to the various pieces of geometry.

Then you’ll learn to use IBLs (Image Based Lights) to help illuminate the scene and create reflections.

We’ll finish the tutorial by using adjustment layers to adjust the brightness and color of the 3D model and to create lights to enhance this image further.

After watching this tutorial, you will be well equipped with the knowledge to import 3D models into Photoshop and composite them into your Photographs.

If you have any comments or questions, please leave them below.

NOTE: You will need Photoshop CS6 or newer to follow along.

Final Image

Drag The Slider To See Before & After

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Steve LeMaster

Slick tutorial. Very nice

Steve LeMaster

That background you used is a great photo. Did you take that?

Steve LeMaster

Ah! I didn’t even notice.

Later today, I’m going to give this tutorial a go with some added elements of my own

Ted McGuigan

Very impressive with clear advice on the use of Photoshop’s 3D features and quite a few other tips to bring the composite image together.

Steve LeMaster

I can’t get my 3D object onto my background

Steve LeMaster

never mind, I figured it out

Mr John S Maguire

I tried following this tutorial. When I imported the car, “ferrari_599gtb.obj,” mine doesn’t have the separate components, only the whole vehicle. I downloaded the obj file like you stated. Am I missing something. TY

I enjoy your tutorials.

Mr John S Maguire

here’s a link to the screen cap.

https://onedrive.live.com/redir?resid=2C896D862E3B4B36!7804

I tried it with another vehicle and all of the components were there. just not your farrari

Mr John S Maguire

Is there anywhere else I can get the file from as all of the other vehicles are to complex

Jone Buatoka

Really interesting, want to learn more…

bubbycrosby

Hi,
I can’t get my 3D object onto photoshop. I download like the video said, but when i press 3D unit and then OK then pop out a window. It say:

Adobe Photosho CC 204
Could not complete yout request because 3D functionality is currently disable due to OpenGL being disable.

:S

Ed Cabrera

Jesus, I realize this is a relatively old tutorial, but I can run through it OK until I get to the IBF portion. I cannot make the IBL photo to show on my 3D object. I have tried using the sliders in the “body” part of the 3D image but nothing seems to work. Is there anything different in PHCS6 that I should consider?
By the way, I think all your tutorials that I ave used (and there are many) are great. Thanks
Ed Cabrera

Edelberto Cabrera

Hi Jesus
I have tried to use this Tutorial a few times. I have PS CS6 extended. Everything goes well until I get to the IBL part. I cannot place the photo as a reflection. Is there a special way of doing it in CS6?

Dave

Hi Jesus: I love your tutorials, and this is the first one I have come across that I couldn’t get to work as you suggest…perhaps because it is older. I am running the latest Creative Cloud version of Photoshop, and since the Ferrari is no longer available on Turbosquid, I tried with several other of their 3D models. When I go to “New layer from file” the models all import, but the car is not visible, only the lines. When I change the camera angles, the car (or parts of it) are visible, but they disappear as soon as I stop adjusting.
Any idea what I am doing wrong?
Thanks for all you do! You are a great instructor!