Skills Needed for 3D Photo Effects
To create a 3D photo effect in GIMP, you need to be familiar with the following aspects of the software:
Layers Perspective Masks/Background Removal
If you need a refresher on these tasks, see the tutorial links from Graphics Software accompanying this step-by-step tutorial.
How to Create a 3D Photo Effect in GIMP
Although the instructions in this step-by-step tutorial are for the GIMP for Windows, you can accomplish this same effect in other image editing software.
Tips and Additional Effects to Fine Tune Your Image
You could improve on or adapt this 3D photo effect in a number of ways. There’s no need to crop the photo at this point. You’ll remove unwanted portions of the image during the course of the transformation. Make a note of the dimensions of the selected photograph. You’ll now have three layers: Now select the frame layer. It can be helpful to set the opacity of the frame layer to 50-60% or so to make it easier to see exactly where to edit the edges of the frame as it crosses in front of the subject of your photo. Zoom in if necessary. Reset the opacity of the layer back to 100% when you’re done.
For additional realism, add appropriate cast shadows. Give the photograph a less flat appearance by slightly curling the photo edge or giving it a wavy appearance (experiment with image filters). Have your subject stepping out of a mirror or other reflective surface instead of a photograph. Have your subject stepping from one photograph into another. Have your subject stepping out of a polaroid picture. Add a person or object (perhaps isolated and photographed using a simple lightbox) into an entirely different scene made to look like a photograph.
