Hi, I am having a photographer shoot custom pics of a nude model to be used in a texture map. How should I direct the photographer to take the pics for the best result? In other words how should pictures be taken with the intent of using them as a texture map? Also, any advice on editing the pictures in photoshop so they appear to flatten out like good texture maps do? Thanks so much for any advice, I am fairly new at this and want to create really high quality texture maps. My email is daviddavejas@aol.com

Have the model stand in "poser default" position - arms straight out from the sides, palms down.

You'll also need close-ups of bodyparts: - sides and front of the face, isolated shots of lips, eyes, ears, nose, chin, eyebrows, backs of hands, palms, feet top and bottoms, fingernails/toenails, front and back of knees, elbows, navel, nipples, pubic hair etc..

I also find that using a small caliber, cuts down on the mess :P BT

ROFL... love to see humor in all our posts!

ROFLMAO, thanks Brycetech :o).......Steve

welllllllll..it DOES! and you dont have to touch up the holes either. :P BT

Don't forget the dropcloth Brycetech...lol Isn't it a kick, my new neighbor's name is Bryce, he's never heard of the progrom. Marque

Beat me to it, Brycetch. That one was irresistable.

I was going to ask why not just take the model's pictures instead of shooting them less messy that way

I did this a few weeks ago, taking pictures for a high resolution skin. I shot on film and scanned afterwards, because I needed the higher quality (instead of using a digital camera). Very important is, that you have a totally flat lighting. I used two flashheads with umbrellas, but next time I will probably use two diffusion screens 2 meter by 1 meter each. Just taking one frontal shot and one shot from the side is not enough, I made this mistake myself. Its much easier to apply it to templates in PS if youve got one frontal shot, one shot turned by 15 degrees, one turnde by 30 degrees and do on. Be aware that the model has to turn, the camera position should stay fixed, otherwise youll get an uneven lighting. Use a lot of powder and (if necessary) a non-glossy lipstick. Take single close ups of all important parts (dont forget tongue (no powder here..;-)) and the teeth). In Photoshop avoid a soft edged cloning tools as much as possible, as it softens your texture in the overlapping areas. All this tips apply to the head. I didnt have the time do make my body texture so far. I wish you good light...

Having even lighting is a must. I use a digital camera that is uncompatabile with flash-heads so I use a lot of diffuse light. As hendrikm mentioned have the model turn to get different angles. I even have the models stand on a platform so that her legs recieved the same lighting as her face. If the model wears make-up, the skin on the face will be slightly different then the body (like most poser characters ;). You may want to photograph the face before and after make-up is applied. Insist that the model wear very loose clothing. Elastic in underwear and belts will leave red marks on the skin. It takes a while for them to disappear. Make sure your model has clean feet (the bottoms :) Make sure you are clear with the model what you expect so she/he is prepared. Discuss makeup, body hair, what you are using the photos for, get a model release form and make sure she/he is over 18! Don't be surprised if your model shows wp with a tattoo you did not expect! smerc