This was a topic I began in the forums but decided to move it here as I actually work on it. I wanted to be able to create what would eventually be a low-poly steampunk diorama, or mini-scene, to showcase off a more detailed model like a vehicle. This would serve only as a background, the goal being to maximize detail with minimal modeling. While I plot out the structure, I wanted to figure out a decent way to throw a character into the scene without extensive modeling or using addons. Today I applied a depth map to a flat image of a character and was pleased with the result so far. I've uploaded the image as proof of concept. The off-screen object cast nice 3D shadows down the right side of the character, at least enough to trick the eye. I'll need to keep tweaking it.
I didn't understand everything about your production process, maybe it's due to the translation, but the result is pretty cool.
Thanks, Claire. The process starts with some sort of flat image, whether an actual photograph from a stock photography website or an AI-generated image. Then, a black-and-white image is generated that simulates depth. The closer something is to black the farther away from the observer it should be. Finally, a flat plane is given a good amount of subdivision and a Displacement modifier is applied to it using the black-and-white image. The original photo is overlaid on top of that.
This is a really cool method and result!
Thanks, this is brand-new territory for me so I appreciate the feedback.