Book Image

Taking Blender to the Next Level

By : Ruan Lotter
Book Image

Taking Blender to the Next Level

By: Ruan Lotter

Overview of this book

If you're ready to start exploring the more advanced workflows and processes in Blender to create intricate 3D models, then Taking Blender to the Next Level is for you. This book focuses on a few different VFX-related workflows such as geometry nodes, organic modeling, 3D camera tracking, photogrammetry, sculpting, compositing, and physics simulations. You’ll learn how to use geometry nodes to create dynamic motion graphic scenes as well as perform 3D scanning of real-world objects using photogrammetry. You’ll also find out how to model, rig, and animate your own 3D characters from scratch. Next, you’ll progress to using simulations to break objects apart and then use cloth and hair simulations to add realism to your 3D creations. Finally, you’ll go over the final render settings and export your 3D animation masterpiece as a video. By the end of this Blender book, you’ll be able to model your own 3D characters, objects, and landscapes; rig, animate, and texture your characters; 3D track live-action footage; and composite your 3D characters into live-action scenes.
Table of Contents (19 chapters)
1
Part 1: Modeling, Materials, and Animation Workflows
10
Part 2: Let's Do Some Physics
14
Part 3: Match Moving and Compositing

Chapter 6: 3D Scanning and Photogrammetry: Creating Your Own 3D Scans

In this chapter, we will be looking at 3D scanning and photogrammetry! Photogrammetry is the process of taking many photos of an object from multiple angles and then using software, such as Meshroom, to convert those photos into a 3D model. We will then clean up the scanned model in Blender and optimize the topology using a free program called Instant Meshes.

Once we have an optimized model, we will bake the textures from the original high-poly scanned model onto the low-poly optimized model. Let's get started!

The main topics we'll cover in this chapter are as follows:

  • Taking photos for 3D scanning/photogrammetry
  • Using Meshroom to convert photos into a 3D model
  • Cleaning up a model using Blender
  • Optimizing the topology of a model using Instant Meshes
  • UV unwrapping and baking textures from an original high-poly model to an optimized low-poly model