Adding Prop Effects to a Model Airplane using Photoshop (1 Viewer)

[ivanmoe]

Step #1, take a picture of your model. Then, without moving the camera or model, rotate the prop 60-90 degrees and take a second picture:

Step #2, import both images into Photoshop (or some other image editor), and delete the background from the first pic:

Step #3, Cut the prop away from the model and save it as a second layer. When you do so, you'll create voids where the prop was. Use textures from the other image, the one with the prop offset 60-90 degrees, to copy/paste the missing textures into the voids:

Here's the prop layer that was created in Step #3:

Step #4, using a Photoshop filter routine called "Spin Blur," set your prop in apparent motion:

Continued Below...

 

[ivanmoe]

Part 2...

Step #5, make the prop the top layer and save both model and prop layers as a PNG file, one which will retain the transparent background that you created in Step #2:

Step #6, paste your newly minted PNG file onto the background of your choice. Add "stuff" as desired and save as a JPG file. Voila, your masterpiece is complete!

 

[ivanmoe]

From time to time, collectors ask me how I'm generating prop effects for my model pics. While I certainly never mind explaining, I thought that illustrations might be useful as regards the process...especially, since y'all can't see my hand while I'm talking my way through the routine

-Moe

 

[mikemiller1955]

Moe...that's very generous of you to share your technique...which is awesome...while I don't collect or even own a plane...I expect a lot of plane and aviation model collectors will soon be posting pics using the detailed explanation of your technique...very cool of you to share!

 

[ivanmoe]

Moe...that's very generous of you to share your technique...which is awesome...while I don't collect or even own a plane...I expect a lot of plane and aviation model collectors will soon be posting pics using the detailed explanation of your technique...very cool of you to share!

Hi Mike,

I had a bit of an ulterior motive, insofar as I can throw a forum thread-link the way of anyone who's interested. Infinitely more effective than words or hand-gestures!

-Moe

 

[wayne556517]

Very helpful thanks mate.

 

[ivanmoe]

Very helpful thanks mate.

You’re welcome, Wayne

-Moe

 

[Wolfgang_UK]

HI Moe
most friendly of you to post this awesome HOW-TO. Very usefull and very well explained - wish there was even more photo advise like this around in the forum.
Thank you very much for shareing and keep up posting your brilliant work.
rgds
Wolfgang

 

[ivanmoe]

HI Moe
most friendly of you to post this awesome HOW-TO. Very usefull and very well explained - wish there was even more photo advise like this around in the forum.
Thank you very much for shareing and keep up posting your brilliant work.
rgds
Wolfgang

You're welcome, Wolgang, and glad that you like my model pics!

-Moe