Courtesy of Paul Braddock
Interview
October 12, 2020
The art of VFX, photogrammetry, and sci-fi insects
Meet Paul Braddock, a professional VFX artist and master of insect photogrammetry for sci-fi scenes. Here, he shares some of his tips and tricks.
For VFX artists, photogrammetry is an important tool and a part of the 3D modeling workflow.
Paul Braddock, a professional VFX artist for over 15 years, specializes in digital sculpting, design, and asset creation. His passion is producing his own personal work, incorporating 3D printing, photography, and other media.
In his personal work, Paul scans real insects with RealityScan as a base for 3D models of fantastical creatures, like spear-chucking beetles and cicadas adorned with skulls.
We spoke to Paul to learn more about his inspiration and process.
Paul Braddock, a professional VFX artist for over 15 years, specializes in digital sculpting, design, and asset creation. His passion is producing his own personal work, incorporating 3D printing, photography, and other media.
In his personal work, Paul scans real insects with RealityScan as a base for 3D models of fantastical creatures, like spear-chucking beetles and cicadas adorned with skulls.
We spoke to Paul to learn more about his inspiration and process.
Courtesy of Paul Braddock
Your artwork is really creative. Where do you take your inspiration from?
My inspiration stems from nature, but also I've always been a fan of science fiction, filmmaking, concept art, and so on. As a child, I was always drawn to the "making of" books and documentaries.
How do you use RealityScan in your artistic process?
I use RealityScan for all my photogrammetry. For my macro work, I have a pretty good setup, using a motorized macro rail and turntable. The stage is a large light tent with integrated LEDs.
Tell us about your workflow.
My workflow involves prepping the specimen as much as possible to reduce specular shine and highlights. I use a polarizing filter and polarize my lights, too. I use a Cognisys StackShot macro rail and Cognisys motorized turntable for capture, and process my focus stacking with Helicon Focus.
Once I've captured all my images and completed merging all the stacks, I do a normal-resolution model in RealityScan, and if all is well, I run a high-detail one. From there, I use ZBrush for clean-up and additional work.
My inspiration stems from nature, but also I've always been a fan of science fiction, filmmaking, concept art, and so on. As a child, I was always drawn to the "making of" books and documentaries.
How do you use RealityScan in your artistic process?
I use RealityScan for all my photogrammetry. For my macro work, I have a pretty good setup, using a motorized macro rail and turntable. The stage is a large light tent with integrated LEDs.
Tell us about your workflow.
My workflow involves prepping the specimen as much as possible to reduce specular shine and highlights. I use a polarizing filter and polarize my lights, too. I use a Cognisys StackShot macro rail and Cognisys motorized turntable for capture, and process my focus stacking with Helicon Focus.
Once I've captured all my images and completed merging all the stacks, I do a normal-resolution model in RealityScan, and if all is well, I run a high-detail one. From there, I use ZBrush for clean-up and additional work.
Courtesy of Paul Braddock
Courtesy of Paul Braddock
Why have you decided to focus your personal work on insects?
Initially, I was just interested in experimenting with macro photogrammetry, and insects were an obvious choice in that sense. They also appeal to my creative and artistic nature, as they're incredibly fascinating and complex. The anatomical features and movements are robotic in appearance and function, and have a real sense of engineering.
Initially, I was just interested in experimenting with macro photogrammetry, and insects were an obvious choice in that sense. They also appeal to my creative and artistic nature, as they're incredibly fascinating and complex. The anatomical features and movements are robotic in appearance and function, and have a real sense of engineering.
Courtesy of Paul Braddock
There are many choices for photogrammetry software on the market. What were the key factors that made you decide to use RealityScan?
RealityScan is simply the fastest and the most accurate photogrammetry software I've used. I work full time in VFX and have tried other packages, but RealityScan is the best I've come across. Most of the time, my solutions work first go, but if I'm doing something more problematic, the alignment tools, reference points etc. are robust and easy to use.
RealityScan is simply the fastest and the most accurate photogrammetry software I've used. I work full time in VFX and have tried other packages, but RealityScan is the best I've come across. Most of the time, my solutions work first go, but if I'm doing something more problematic, the alignment tools, reference points etc. are robust and easy to use.
Download RealityScan
RealityScan is free to use for students, educators, and individuals and companies with an annual gross revenue below $1 million USD.Above the $1M threshold? Visit our licensing page to find out about your purchasing options.
Download the launcher
Before you can install and run RealityScan, you’ll need to download and install the Epic Games launcher.
Install Epic Games Launcher
Once downloaded and installed, open the launcher and create or log in to your Epic Games account.
Having trouble? Get support, or restart your Epic Games launcher download in Step 1.
Install RealityScan
Once logged in, navigate to the RealityScan tab in the Unreal Engine section and click the install button to download the most recent version.