MERRY CHRISTMAS
I have been experementing with scaling sown photos to fit cardboard back drop with limited results anyone have a tried and true method that they are will willing to pass down?
Freelancing MCRR/NYC Northern Division - Angelo
1. You need a photograph that has a lot of pixels. And is sharp.
2. It has to be from the proper angle and appropriate lighting (overcast day vs. sharp shadows--your choice).
3. If you've got Photoshop or similar: go to Image: Size and double the size and maybe double again (while resampling). This can work nicely for linear things (buildings), not so much for randomy shapes (trees).
4. Try Sharpening and see if that improves things.
5. Somewhere in there, if necessary, adjust colors and brightness and contrast. If necessary.
6. Photoshop also can "tilt" the picture. This might be useful.
1. & 2. "anyone can do". 3. through 6. will need a computer program.
You will probably have to have your picture printed somewhere. As opposed to at home. 'Cause of the size. It should be printed on flat, not glossy.
You might come back here with details. What's the backdrop size? What's the pixel size of your candidate photos?
Ed
The easiest part of a building photo to measure scale is a standard swinging door opening. A standard door is 6'-8" high. Buildings along the backdrop should be slightly smaller than "scale" to provide some forced perspective so make trial draft quality" prints at different enlargements/reductions until the resulting door heights are around 6' high in whatever scale you're working in. Buildings you want to appear closer should be a little larger while buildings you want to appear further away should be a little smaller. However, all should be at least slightly smaller in scale than the actual structure models on your layout.
I recently achieved very good background photos by shooting the back sides of several structures on my layout (or whichever side of a structure you can't see from the layout aisle). I shot each building from different angles keeping the majority of the lighting on the same side of each shot so the printouts look like the light is coming from a single point in the sky (the sun). Also note that you should shoot from a distance and zoom in with the camera lens to minimize distortion. Arrange/rearrange the trial prints along your backdrop until you achieve the look you want. When satisfied with the arrangement make and cut out your final prints on matte (not glossy) paper. Attach the prints of more "distant" buildings directly to the backdrop. Prints of "closer" buildings can be attached to foamcore board before attaching to the backdrop to add a slight 3D effect. "Closer" building prints can also overlap the edges of "more distant" building prints.
Good luck!
Hornblower