In the forest
A captivating personal project fusing photogrammetry and artistic finesse to bring beloved characters from Monsters Inc. to life in an enchanting and immersive forest setting.
"In the Forest" is a personal project that I recently undertook, dedicating one week to create an immersive and visually captivating scene set in a realistic forest environment. At the heart of this project, two iconic characters, Mike Wazowski and James Sullivan from Monsters Inc., take center stage, adding a touch of familiarity and charm to the overall experience. What sets this project apart is its exclusive focus on the art of photogrammetry, departing from traditional modeling and sculpting techniques.
To bring this enchanting world to life, I began by utilizing Trnio, a cutting-edge photogrammetry tool, to scan and capture all the objects meticulously curated for the scene. With Trnio's assistance, the objects were imported directly, both with and without their accompanying textures, laying the foundation for the captivating forest environment.
To optimize the objects without compromising their structural integrity, I expertly created duplicates, removing superfluous backgrounds. By creating duplicates of the imported objects, I meticulously cleaned up any excessive backgrounds and applied a decimation process to streamline the triangle count without compromising the structural integrity of the elements. This meticulous approach preserved the visual fidelity while reducing unnecessary complexity, ensuring the scene remained as captivating as ever.
To preserve the authenticity of the textures while mitigating potential distortions, a critical aspect of photogrammetry, I embarked on a meticulous UV mapping process. I meticulously crafted a UV map for each object and skillfully baked the textures onto their optimized counterparts. This intricate process resulted in the seamless integration of the objects, creating an environment that exudes realism and attention to detail.
With the foundational elements in place, I proceeded to construct the base of the forest environment. Employing a hair particle system, I meticulously created a lush and vibrant grass cover that breathes life into the scene. Additionally, I applied a musgrave texture, crafting a flowing and realistic river that adds depth and immersion to the overall environment.
In the pursuit of achieving a truly captivating and atmospheric rendering, I took a multi-faceted approach. Employing a volumetric atmosphere, I introduced a cube that enveloped the entire base, creating a subtle yet visually stunning atmospheric effect within the forest setting. To further enhance the overall ambiance, I included a sphere object, skillfully utilizing the particle system to scatter captivating dust particles throughout the scene, adding an element of dynamism and enchantment.
"In the Forest" is not merely a personal project but an exploration of boundless creativity, technical finesse, and an unwavering dedication to crafting a world that captivates and inspires. Through the harmonious integration of photogrammetry, animation, and storytelling, this project stands as a testament to the sheer magic that can be achieved within the realm of digital artistry.
