Creating 3D Video from Images using After Effects #

Introduction: #

In this tutorial, we will walk through the process of turning a series of images into a 3D video using Adobe After Effects. We'll utilize the 3D camera feature in After Effects, along with a null layer to control the camera movements, and Generative Fill to create Photoshop layers. By the end of this tutorial, you'll have a basic understanding of how to create engaging 3D videos from static images.

Step 1: Create layers in Photoshop #

1. Search for an image online that you want to use for your 3D video.
2. Open the image in Adobe Photoshop.
3. Use the Pen Tool to create a path around the main subject in the image.
4. Right-click on the path and select "Make Selection."
5. Copy the selected area and paste it into a new layer.
6. Repeat this process for other elements in the image that you want to separate into individual layers.

Step 2: Applying Generative Fill in Photoshop #

1. Select the layer you want to apply Generative Fill to.
2. Go to "Edit" > "Content-Aware Fill" in the menu bar.
3. Use the tools in the Content-Aware Fill workspace to refine the fill area and generate a new layer.
4. Repeat this process for other layers to create clean and separated elements for your 3D video.

Step 3: Importing Images #

1. Open Adobe After Effects and create a new composition by clicking on "Composition" > "New Composition" in the menu bar.
2. Set the desired composition settings such as frame rate, resolution, and duration.
3. Import the images you want to use for your 3D video by dragging them into the Project panel or by going to "File" > "Import" > "File..." and selecting your images.

Step 4: Setting Up the 3D Camera #

1. Create a new null object by going to "Layer" > "New" > "Null Object."
2. With the null object selected, go to "Layer" > "New" > "Camera" to create a new 3D camera.
3. Parent the camera to the null object by dragging the pick-whip icon from the camera layer to the null object layer.
4. This will allow you to control the camera movements using the null object.

Step 5: Adjusting Camera Settings #

1. Select the 3D camera layer in the timeline.
2. Open the Camera Options by clicking on the dropdown arrow next to the camera layer.
3. Adjust the camera settings such as focal length, depth of field, and aperture to achieve the desired look for your 3D video.

Step 6: Animating Camera Movements #

1. Select the null object layer in the timeline.
2. Use the Rotation and Position properties of the null object to animate the camera movements.
3. Create keyframes at different points in time to animate the camera's position and rotation.
4. Preview the animation to ensure smooth camera movements.

Step 7: Adding Depth to the Scene (Optional) #

1. Experiment with adding depth to your scene by adjusting the Z position of the image layers in 3D space.
2. This can create a more immersive effect as the camera moves through the scene.

Step 8: Previewing and Rendering #

1. Preview your 3D video by pressing the spacebar or clicking on the "Play" button in the Preview panel.
2. Once you're satisfied with the results, go to "Composition" > "Add to Render Queue" to add your composition to the render queue.
3. Configure the render settings such as output format, resolution, and frame rate.
4. Click on the "Render" button to export your 3D video.

Conclusion: #

Congratulations! You have successfully created a 3D video from images using Adobe After Effects. Experiment with different camera movements, animations, and effects to further enhance your project. Keep practicing and exploring the various features of After Effects to unleash your creativity.

YouTube Tutorial Link: #

Creating a Surreal 3D Scene with Particles in After Effects