Creating a 2D mask

(Images copied into 3D Studio Max)

My main aim for the second week of my project was to transport my two images into 3D Studio Max, align them at 90 degrees to each other, and create new topology lines over the original ones, which I would then use in order to create the 3D image.

(Images at 90 degrees)

As you can see from above, I have imported the images into 3D Studio Max and arranged them as the online tutorials suggest so that the side view is in a separate Plane at a 90 degree angle to the first plane, which holds the image looking at the front of my face. Using the bitmap fit option, I was able to insert my images so that they were a true representation in size, both horizontally and vertically, to the original images.

(New lines created in 3D Studio Max over the original lines)

Using the existing lines that I created in Photoshop, I then used the line tool in 3D Studio Max to create new square patches over them. Some of the lines were simplified so that not all of the lines were traced. This then makes it easier to initially model my face, where I can then add more intricate details further down the line. The image is now ready to be filled in, which will hopefully create a 'half mask' which I can then use to create the front of my face. I avoided filling in the nostrils as there was far to much detail than I needed at this time. I also avoided drawing particular lines that went down the chin, across the cheek and down from the eye. This then enabled me to keep it simple, but add further detail later.

(Lines converted into a surface)

As you can see from the image above, I have now created a surface for the topology lines and in effect creating a 'half mask' which is a 2D image that will eventually be manipulated into a 3D image. To create this, I selected one of the squares that I had made, then right-clicked and converted it to Editable Poly. This then converted it from a square to a surface, giving me a filled polygon. Then, using the 'attach' tool, I was able to select all of the other lines/polygons on my image and attach them to the first polygon that I created so that all of the other polygons became coloured (contain a surface). Using the 'edged faces' tool, I could then view the lines as well as the surfaced mask.

Finally, I had to weld my polygons together so that they no longer moved individually but all move as one object. To do this, I first selected every individual moveable point (corners of polygons) and used the snap tool to position the points on top of each other. Then I joined the points together using the weld tool, which enabled me to convert the various polygons into one moving object. Now, when I drag the corner of a polygon, the adjoining polygon also moves. This shows that the entire 'half mask' is now all linked together and moves as one.

Now that this stage is complete, I can finally start to see my image taking effect and although it is not currently 3D, I can see now how it will become 3D and how I am progressing towards a resemblance of my face.

I encountered some problems with this stage of the process. The biggest problem was trying to weld the vertices together. Some of them did not weld as I intended. To overcome this, I simply selected the individual points that I wanted to weld, then increased the weld threshold which then welded the points together. I found the nostril, corner of the mouth and the eye very difficult to draw polygons around, especially without creating any triangular shapes. I managed to avoid all triangles/five sided shapes eventually, mainly by trial and error until I found the best fit for the various polygons.

Drawing the topology lines

(Front and side view with topology lines showing the contours of my face)

My next task was to define the topology.
As you can see from the image above, I have defined this by using red and blue lines in Photoshop. First, I defined the key areas of the face, mainly any crevices in the skin or any areas where the skin protrudes, shown by the blue lines. I then joined these lines together by using a red colour, primarily with square shapes, to create a 'shell' of my face. The key to this is the diamond shape where the cheek protrudes most. This is just below the eye and breaks up the rest of the topology lines so that they can stem from this main diamond shape.
I found this section very time consuming as it was difficult to get smooth lines using Photoshop which required a very steady hand, and it was also very difficult to create lines that correctly resembled my facial structure.
Now that my topology lines are complete, I am ready to copy this image into 3D Studio Max ready for 3D image creation.

Aligning the images

(Front and side view with ruler lines showing how the images aligned)

The first part of the process for creating my 3D head was to align both the front view profile and the side view profile of myself in Photoshop. To do this, I first took the photos, making sure that both the heads were taken at the same distance. I then altered the angle of the photo in all directions (up, down, left and right). I was also able to remove distortion and transform the vertical and horizontal properties of the images. Once this was satisfactory, I then used the ruler tool in Photoshop to make sure that everything was aligned correctly. As you can see from the image above, after all this manipulation, I then had an image which was aligned correctly to begin modelling.

Introduction

The aim of this project is to create a 3D replica of my head and shoulders using 3D studio Max and also Photoshop. The time frame for this assignment is very limited as there is only 5 weeks to complete the project. The modelling aspect of this assignment will be tricky and very time consuming.
Having only ever used 3D Studio Max once before (5 years ago) I feel that I have the potential to learn a lot within this module.
I feel that this assignment is an excellent way of showing your knowledge of creating 3D images and animation. My main aim to start with is to upload 2 photo's of myself, front and side, then manipulate these images so that the facial features are in line. I shall then insert these images into 3D Studio Max and use these as the basis to model the replica of my face.
I am looking forward to this module and feel that I will gain a good experience of 3D modelling and animation.
Using the online tutorials as a guideline, I hope to create a relatively accurate model that resembles my initial photo.