We developed this in response to Covid-19 social distancing. All you need is one person with one camera (such as a smart-phone) to be your photographer then s/he can take the photos of the subject(s), we'll download them and do the rest.
This is great if the subject(s) can sit still for the 2-3 minutes needed to get 360-degrees worth of photos such as for adults, for some very young children (those who are asleep or willing to hug for that long) and for any child who can follow directions. It's designed to be convenient since it can be done by anyone with a camera and an internet connection anywhere in the World.
Below, please see the how-to video and document 'Photography Tips' on how to take excellent photographs needed to make a beautiful sculpture.
We use 72 high resolution DSLR cameras on an 8-sided rig that surrounds the subject(s) and allows us to photograph 360-degrees in less than one second. This 10 x 10 foot rig is portable so may be taken to special events or locations. We never use flashes, it is placed outside and the open frame (you can see a glimpse of it in one of the above photos) is camouflaged with fake ivy so it does not disturb pets or children.
This is especially useful when photographing pets or young children who can't quite sit still for one whole second, let alone the 2-3 minutes needed to get the 360-degrees if the photography is done by one person with one camera. It is also good for special events since it is very fast.
We use a DJI Phantom 4 Pro+ V2.0 drone with a 20 megapixel camera to fly up to 400 feet above ground to take images at various angles and heights. Photos can be used to make a 3D model as in the above example. We also will do residential and commercial real estate photography, please see the other page for more info.
Only staff who are currently certified by the FAA as a UAV pilot operate the drone and we comply with all FAA regulations and manufacturer's guidelines including: obtaining FAA authorization and geo-fence unlocking for all flights in controlled air-space, checking national databases for local and national flight activities and warnings prior to a flight, and carrying an air-band radio for real-time air traffic monitoring or emergency notification (latter has never been needed).
Although we have never had an incident, each flight is insured for at least $500,000.
The 360-degree photos are synthesized into a single 3D image using a method called photogrammetry. It may take several hours for a many-core liquid-cooled computer to process the billions of photograph pixels into one 3D image.
After we edit the 3D image based on your preferences (e.g., remove wrinkles or acne, lift droopy eye-lids, remove bags from under the eyes, slim skin under the jaw and thicken hair), we use various technologies based on the material you choose to 3D print the sculptures. The sculptures are finished by hand and are solid.
We make the pedestals from non-laminate Italian marble and gild these in genuine 24-Kt gold. The pedestals are 0.5" thick and 4"-8" wide to fit the sculpture size. Each pedestal has a name-plate with laser-engraved words in the font you select.
All of our work is done in the USA.
With detailed descriptions, demonstrations and a computer animation, we'll show you how to use a method to take photos from anywhere on a suitable day that you can then send to us and we'll make and email you a 3D image for free.
If you wish, we will then 3D print the sculpture in the color and size that you choose, add a laser engraved nameplate with the text and in the font you specify, and mount it on a marble pedestal with the top edge gilded in genuine 24-Kt gold,
North Charleston, South Carolina, 29418. Due to Covid-19, we are not doing rig-photography right now but are accepting photos you take at home and will make sculptures based on those.
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We love creativity and art.
We love science and technology.
But most of all,
we love family, friends, pets and special moments.
And that's why we like helping others celebrate the people, pets and special moments of their lives with Solid Memories that they and their family will cherish for years.
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