How to (manually) convert 2D images to 3D

[Jsmith82]

Regarding a picture I posted in the 3d Movie section of the forum, I decided to write up a beginner's tutorial on how to convert a 2d image into a 3d image - I'm hoping this will A) bring more traffic to the site and generate a little more interest in 3d and B) maybe reel in a few people to my forum game suggestion (Conversion Friday).

The tutorial covers the following:
- the method used, and the basics behind it
- how 2d to 3d conversion via this method works and common problems that occur
- what to take into consideration when choosing an image to convert
- what software you will need (all share / freeware)
- step by step illustrated instructions walking through creating the layered map
- preparing your finished depth map for conversion
- conversion

I typed this up in an 18 page PDF which can be downloaded -> here <-

Here is a side by side of the example image (randomly found off of the web - I thought it would be funny to take an image that intentionally played off of the fact it was 2d and convert it to 3d thus undoing the photographers original intentions -> cue evil laugh Muh huh Ha Ha haaaaaaa)




Here is the full size original (for running through the tutorial):

[Show spoiler]

Here is the full size completed depth map:

[Show spoiler]

Last, here is the completed conversion from the example:

[Show spoiler]

Hope this helps answer some questions and maybe kick-starts a few at home artists!

To see how far you can take something like this, I urge you to check out local member Gae's conversion of Carnival of Souls to 3D - yes, Gae converted the ENTIRE thing SINGLE handed. It's a spectacular job for a one man army - you can see his depth maps, techniques, and samples of the film at his blog here: click me!

Cheers!