Camera Projection in Maya
In this series of lessons, we'll learn how to turn a 2D image into a 3D scene using camera projection in Maya. Software required: Maya 2011 and higher.
What you'll learn
In this series of lessons, we'll learn how to turn a 2D image into a 3D scene using camera projection in Maya. By using a reference photo inside Maya, we'll be able to create realistic scenes quickly and easily. We'll begin this project by learning about the theories behind camera projection what makes a good image to project. We'll then set-up our camera in Maya for match moving and look at a technique to get our camera in the correct position. Once we've set our camera, we'll create the projection shader. We'll then model the rest of our building and animate a new camera. We'll then look at various techniques of completing our scene and adding a sky dome. We'll finish by taking the extra step of adding reflective geometry for increased realism. Software required: Maya 2011 and higher.
Table of contents
- What Is Camera Projection? 6m
- Taking Photos for Camera Projection and Common Issues 12m
- Finding the Actual Focal Length and Setting It in Maya 10m
- Adding Our Image Plane for Initial Camera Match Moving 6m
- Matching the First Point of Our Building 7m
- Creating a Basic Camera Rig to Rotate Around Our Point 7m
- Rotating Our Camera to Match Our Rotation to Our Building 11m
- Creating Our Projection Shader 8m
- Using Perspective Tricks to Model the Rest of the Building 13m
- Modifying Our Channel Box to Accurately Control Scaling 12m
- Animating Our New Camera Movement 6m
- Creating Background Buildings 6m
- Maintaining the Horizon Line by Duplication Our Projection 9m
- Creating a Sky Dome That Matches Our Background Photo 8m
- Creating a Preview Render of Our Animation 4m
- Marking Reflective Areas Using Geometry and Rendering 8m
- Adding Reflective Areas to Add Realism to Our Building 9m
- Creating New Geometry and Images for Our Reflections 8m
- Final Rendering and Compositing Our Reflection and Projection 6m
About the author
Along with creating and recording training, he also used to manage the support team and work closely with the production development team at Digital-Tutors, now a Pluralsight company. He began his career working freelance and quickly realized that he wanted to find a company where he could use his talents to help people succeed in the CG industry. Chris has likely watched more Pluralsight creative training than anyone on the planet, and its evidenced by his Einstein-sized brain and encyclopedic... more