In today’s tutorial I’m going to 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 right perspective and how to 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 off the tutorial by using adjustment layers to adjust the brightness and color of the 3D model, and to create lights to further enhance this image.
After watching this tutorial, you will be well equipped with the knowledge to import 3D models into Photoshop and composite them in into your own Photographs.
If you have any comments or question, please leave them below.
NOTE: You will need Photoshop CS6 or newer to follow along.
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Final Image
Drag The Slider To See Before & After
Steve LeMaster says
January 28, 2015 at 10:25 amSlick tutorial. Very nice
Photoshop Training Channel says
January 28, 2015 at 10:31 amThanks, Steve!
Steve LeMaster says
January 28, 2015 at 10:33 amThat background you used is a great photo. Did you take that?
Photoshop Training Channel says
January 28, 2015 at 10:42 amI did not. It’s actually 3 stock images composited together. It’s most obvious that the image is not real because of the light down the street. It’s the only one with a glare. Also the road, you can see the bricks don’t quite match.
I also threw in a few Easter-eggs. For example, on the left side, there is a white poster with red and a tree. Evidently that’s was my family’s coat of arms…or at least that what the internet tells me.
Steve LeMaster says
January 28, 2015 at 10:43 amAh! 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 says
January 28, 2015 at 11:20 amVery impressive with clear advice on the use of Photoshop’s 3D features and quite a few other tips to bring the composite image together.
Photoshop Training Channel says
January 28, 2015 at 11:25 amThank you, Ted!
Steve LeMaster says
January 28, 2015 at 12:15 pmI can’t get my 3D object onto my background
Steve LeMaster says
January 28, 2015 at 12:17 pmnever mind, I figured it out
Mr John S Maguire says
January 28, 2015 at 12:39 pmI 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.
Photoshop Training Channel says
January 28, 2015 at 12:51 pmIf you share a screen shot of you Layers panel with the 3D Object enabled I may be able to help.
Mr John S Maguire says
January 28, 2015 at 1:05 pmhere’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 says
January 30, 2015 at 10:29 amIs there anywhere else I can get the file from as all of the other vehicles are to complex
Jone Buatoka says
February 1, 2016 at 9:25 pmReally interesting, want to learn more…
Photoshop Training Channel says
February 10, 2016 at 10:29 amI’ll be creating more 3D tutorials soon!
bubbycrosby says
March 2, 2016 at 3:37 pmHi,
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
Photoshop Training Channel says
March 9, 2016 at 8:59 amEnable your OpenGL
Ctrl Alt K (Mac: Command Option K) to bring up the preferences panel, then go to “Performance” and look for the Graphics Processor settings and click on the Advanced Setting button, and make sure that OpenGL is Checked.
If not then your graphics card may not meet the minimum requirements, or you may need to update your drivers.