For our KissMein3D shoot we filmed our two alluring actors with the stereo camera. Each “eye” was coded to its corresponding anaglyph colors, then merged into one video. The specific anaglyphic (two color 3D effect) process we used to create the blue and amber 3D effect is a highly complicated procedure involving plutonium and space dust, and secrets of which we can’t give away. It’s pretty much voodoo magic. However, we can show you how to create the more common red/cyan anaglyph stereoscope which you can easily attain the glasses for. When following along in this tutorial, you’ll benefit most by having the more robust version of Photoshop that is Photoshop CS4 Extended that includes video editing.
Our animated graphics were created in Cinema 4D and using two cameras we exported a version for the left eye and one for the right. By positioning each camera by a small difference we simulate the interocular distance of our eyes, thereby recreating depth perception. However the difference we suggested should be your guide but may not work. Creating 3D is a trial and error process, meaning you will have to take a guess–use our settings as the first try–and go through the remaining steps in this tutorial. In the end, if your stereo image still doesn’t look 3D you’ll have to return to C4D, re-render and try again. I know…the third is a tough dimension to work with.
1. Setting up your stereo cameras
So to begin have your animation open in C4D with two cameras. The easiest way to create two cameras of slight coordinate difference is to duplicate the first camera. A common mistake in making a stereograph is to toe-in the two cameras. Your cameras need to be parallel to each other because our eyes are viewing straight onto a subject, not around an object, unless you have a concave face shaped like satellite dish. Toeing-in two cameras will result in a cross-eyed view and would compromise the 3D anaglyphic effect. Therefore, make sure it does not have a target, otherwise it will pivot around the object, toeing in.
Label one as “left” and the other as “right.”
Two parallel cameras in Cinema 4D to represent our two eyes
Selecting the “right” camera, pull the X value arrow to change the X position; the Y value should not change. The reason being, our eyes are aligned horizontally and both eyes see the same position for things on the vertical plane.
The coordinates at the bottom of the two cameras are the same except for minor difference in Z-position.
Left camera settings
Position:
X 258.8 m
Y 41 m (unchanged)
Z -90 m
Right camera settings
Position:
X 259.794 m
Y 41 m (unchanged)
Z -81.128 m
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Like I said, this is an approximate difference that you should use as a guide. This is a good setting for this particular animation, based on its shape and how the flowers bloom out from the hat. The only way to confirm your correct position is to convert it into an anaglyph and view it with 3D glasses.
So after you set your two camera coordinates, render each camera view as separate Quicktime movie files. We rendered two versions of the one below:
2. Anaglyph-izing the videos in Photoshop Extended
Bring your two videos into Photoshop Extended as you would a normal image. When you import a video or image sequence, movie layers are indicated in the Layer panel with a small film icon.
Now, combine the two videos into one file as separate layers. The adjustments we’re making to the colors will not work on a transparent background so make sure you have a solid background–use white for now. Double click on the “right eye” layer to add a layer style. The Layer Style window will open up to the Blending Options. Under Advanced Blending style and uncheck the box for the Blue and Green channel. You should see the Preview color change to a cyan. Hit OK.
Change channels in right eye image for a cyan color
Now do the same for the “left eye” but instead, uncheck the Channel for Red. Your image should result in a pink-red tint for the left eye that I personally would describe as a light maroon.
Left eye should look redAlso, because the glasses cancel out so much color and light, adding a couple adjustment layers to brighten your video so it appears normal and not too dark. I added one Exposure adjustment layer and another Curves.
When viewing through 3D glasses, the image without adjustment layers (left) will appear too dark
3. Shifting the Plates
Now put on your red/cyan 3D glasses and view your creation. Wearing your glasses, move the position of either layer to maximize the 3D effect. This is referred to as shifting plates. In the case of a video footage that has a lot of action, you might need to change the position of one layer from time to time, since the point of focus may change. In this you will need to keyframe the position which Photoshop Extended gladly allows you to do.
This video is keyframed so that in the plates are closer together earlier in the video. As they flowers bloom “closer” to the viewer, the plates move further apart, exaggerating the 3D effect more.
Photoshop Extended comes with an “Animation” panel that is the timeline. You can keyframe your effects in the timeline using the clock and yellow diamond symbols. After Effects users will find this feature quite familiar.
You can edit video in Photoshop Extended
Here is the final amazing animation video:
Download the Cinema4D file we used for this tutorial here:
roses_files.zip
what did you save the file as?
Jose, the file is saved as a Photoshop .PSD, but I rendered the video out as a .MOV using Apple Animation format. But you can render your movie as other file versions or formats, or even as an image sequence. To see your options go to File>Export>Render Video. Hit Settings to choose the format of the video. Happy anaglyphing!