Texturing objects in a 2D image

[PricklyPete]

There are websites out there that have product catalogs where the same picture is used, but the product in the picture has different textures applied to it to show variations in the product available.

The source image was clearly 2D, but the texturing that takes place appears to be done with some 3D lighting variables taken into account. Is there a software package out there at provides this functionality?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Markbnj]

I can't tell if you think they are retexturing the image on the fly, or have prepared different versions up front. Photoshop is the standard tool for creating these kinds of effects up front, and you can get the lighter weight Elements version downloaded online for $89. That's what I use for prepping web graphics.

 

[PricklyPete]

Originally posted by: Markbnj
I can't tell if you think they are retexturing the image on the fly, or have prepared different versions up front. Photoshop is the standard tool for creating these kinds of effects up front, and you can get the lighter weight Elements version downloaded online for $89. That's what I use for prepping web graphics.

texturing on the fly would be great...but I was more expecting it to be prepared ahead of time and each texture "thumbnail" just pulling up a separate image file that has the same image with a differently textured product.

For example, imagine the same couch that comes in several different materials/colors. By clicking on the material thumbnail, the larger couch picture would show the couch in the new texture.

 

[Markbnj]

Yep, so basically they just prep the images with Photoshop, Ulead Photoimpact, Gimp, or something else like it.

 

[PricklyPete]

Originally posted by: Markbnj
Yep, so basically they just prep the images with Photoshop, Ulead Photoimpact, Gimp, or something else like it.

How do they get the lighting right so that it looks real and not "flat"?

 

[Kelnoen]

well you can just overlay the texture but keep the lightness that way shadows and highlights are maintained

 

[Markbnj]

Originally posted by: PricklyPete

Originally posted by: Markbnj
Yep, so basically they just prep the images with Photoshop, Ulead Photoimpact, Gimp, or something else like it.

How do they get the lighting right so that it looks real and not "flat"?

Well the PS guys have their tricks. I'm not very good at it. Essentially you create a gradient layer with the reflections on it, and the rest transparent, and then you can lay it on top of any image that has the right shape. There are lots of photoshop forums around where you can hunt for hints.