How to Use Photos for Poser Texture Maps

Poser is a 3D Figure Design and Animation software package. A good texture map is a basic building block for a good image rendering. Models without textures look like cheap plastic mannequins. More than any other element, it is the texture map that gives 3D models their realism.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Prepare to take several model head photos. Select a well-lit area where your camera comfortably matches the model's height. The model's hair is away from her face and tucked into a skull cap. Have the model look directly at the camera maintaining a neutral facial expression. Take 5 to 7 pictures of your model.

2. Upload photos into your computer. Open a texture map in your photo manipulation software. Set the map's resolution to at least 300 pixels per inch. Use a higher resolution if you will be doing close up or large Poser renders. Choose "mode" and "RGB" from the Image menu.

3. Open the photograph in a separate window. Use the Magnetic Lasso Tool to select the face. Press "CTRL+C" to copy the image. Close the photo without saving the changes.

4. Select the texture map window. Choose "CTRL+V" to paste image. Using the level adjustment controls, set the opacity to 78 percent. Choose "Transform Select" from the Select menu. Hold the Shift Key and resize the face. Line up the face's eyes with the texture map's eye slots.

5. Use either the color picker or clone tool to add the face's color to the painting palette. Paint the body portions of the texture map. Open the photo. Crop and add the eyes and eyebrows to the texture map. Return the face layer's opacity to 100 percent, merge and save the texture map.

Tips & Warnings

• Artists use photo manipulation software to add tattoos, freckles and birthmarks to texture maps making their characters even more realistic.

[dacktyl]

on 1/16/2009 This website has free textures to download:

http://www.touchoftexture.com