Dusky Desert Environment in Blender

Hello!

I've been a Blender user for the past 5 years now, but I wanted to challenge myself with this prompt/project by combining 3D and a live-action subject using the software.

I was inspired by 2000's videos and movies that heavily featured 3D environments, such as Linkin Park's video In the End and the 2005 movie MirrorMask.

Supplies

I used Blender 4.4, After Effects 2024, a camera and greenscreen footage to create this video

Everything in the video is modeled and textured by me

Step 1: Blocking and Inspo

For nature representation, I decided to research some classic Bob Ross paintings and originally took inspiration from his piece, Western Expanse.

Using this, I started blocking out the scene

Step 2: Green Screen and Tracking

I used some green screen footage I had recorded at school and reused it for this project.

An aspect I wanted to include in the final video was the realistic moving camera. But with Blender's vast variety of tools, I learnt how to utilize its motion tracking tools.

Step 3: Geometry Node Clouds

Taking further inspiration from paintings, I wanted to see how far I could push the boundaries of Blender's texture system.

In my research, I discovered Blender's Geometry Node system, a new addition to Blender. I followed YouTuber Comfee Mug's videos, which featured it heavily, and became familiar with the unique system.

Step 4: Assemble

I assembled all the elements together and prepared them for rendering.

I firmly believe less is more, and used a single area light to create a sharp shadow for the tree

Step 5: Render

Step 6: Comp in After Effects

One of my favorite parts of a project is the final edit in After Effects, I a mask and adjustment layer to enhance the light of the moon as well as adding lighting to the front of the figure.

Step 7: Final and Reflection

I had so much fun with this project and am really proud of how far I was able to push myself and utilize Blender. I would say Blender is such a sharp Swiss Army knife of tools, and I'm surprised by how impressive its tracking software is.

Thank you for reading my entry, and I hope this has convinced more people to join the Blender community❤️