Creating 3D reliefs with printed photography is a project that can be done at home with relatively simple materials. This process involves transforming flat images into three-dimensional artworks by layering different elements of the photo to give a sense of depth and dimension. Here’s how I approached this project using two images with strong subjects: a person and a pair of dogs. I created three distinct layers for each image to enhance the visual effect and make the final piece interactive.
1) Woman Photo
First Layer: The Original Photograph The foundation of the 3D relief is the original photograph of a woman. This layer serves as the backdrop for the entire piece, providing the base image from which other elements will be lifted to create depth.
Second Layer: Silhouette of the Woman The second layer involves cutting out the silhouette of the woman from a duplicate of the original photograph. By raising this silhouette slightly above the base layer, I created the first level of depth.
Third Layer: The Woman’s Glasses To add even more detail and a sense of realism, the third layer focuses on a smaller, specific element of the woman: her glasses. By isolating and elevating the glasses, we create a focal point that draws the viewer’s eye.
2) Dogs Photo
First Layer: The Original Photograph Similar to the first project, the original photograph of the two dogs forms the base layer. This image provides the overall context and scenery for the artwork.
Second Layer: Silhouette of the Two Dogs The second layer in this piece is the silhouette of both dogs. Cutting out their combined shape and putting it above the original photograph starts to give the image depth. This separation emphasizes the subjects, making them stand out from the background.
Third Layer: Silhouette of the Small Dog For the final layer, I chose to isolate the smaller dog and elevate it above the silhouette of both dogs.
Conclusion
Observers can move around the photos, exploring different angles and perspectives. This interactivity invites viewers to engage more deeply with the artwork, as they discover new elements hidden within the layers. This project can enhance the appreciation for photography but also allow you to explore the creative possibilities of three-dimensional art.
I personally believe that this project straddles the line between serious and casual. The 3D relief technique evokes a collage-like aesthetic, which can vary in effectiveness depending on the photograph used. For instance, applying this method to a photo of a woman wearing glasses doesn’t seem to show as interesting results as it does with a photo of dogs. The technique appears to be more suited to still images, where the layers can enhance the subject matter more effectively. Therefore, it’s important to choose the right kind of photo to fully benefit from the 3D relief effect.
