Creating a fully CGI scene is fun but also a time-consuming job and requires a lot of skills to make everything look realistic. From modeling or finding models, texturing, lighting, post-processing, etc. But what if we already have a photo or video that we just want to extend with some elements?

In this tutorial, we will talk about exactly that. How to extend a photo with 3D elements in a free program blender.

We’ll talk about how to import an image and camera into a blender with the correct perspective.
How to set lighting, shadows, and reflection to match the photo.
How to enrich the visual boring and low-resolution textures.
Where to find and how to add overlays that will make the scene more cinematic.
We will talk about post-processing color grading and much more.

At the end of this tutorial, you will be able to extend any photo with any 3d elements and get more realistic renders in a faster way.

Language: English + subtitles
Duration: 2 hours 15 min
Video resolution of the tutorial: 2k
All resources and links are included + final .blend file

WATCH THIS TUTORIAL
01 – Inspiration and preparation – 7 min
02 – F-spy – 14 min
03 – Blender, camera and character import – 7 min
04 – Combining background image and render – 5 min
05 – Gas station modeling – 15 min
06 – Creating lighting and shadows – 15 min
07 – UV Project modifier – 6 min
08 – Color matching – 5 min
09 – Improving textures – 6 min
10 – Creating reflections on the ground – 12 min
11 – Adding details – 14 min
12 – Overlays – 11 min
13 – Post-processing – Part 1 – 9 min
14 – Post-processing – Part 2 – 12 min
WATCH THIS TUTORIAL