How to Steal Public Art

After learning about 123D Catch from Autodesk, I wanted to try it. I went to the Civic Center of San Francisco and took multiple pictures of one of the Equestrian Sculptures in the plaza. The following explains how I stole a piece of public art (sort of.)

Step 1: Camera Settings, and Photographing the Sculpture.

From everything I read about 123D Catch, it was crtical to have your camera settings consistent.

I set my camera ISO to 100, and shot aperture priortiy, with a +1 exposure compesation, at F/16. 

I swept around the sculpture, in a counter clockwise motion, photographing it from as many angles as I could. I eneded up with about 30 usable shots to make the model from.

Step 2: Upload It to Catch, and Edit Your Model.

Using a PC, I downloaded 123D catch, and then uploaded all of my images to the software. Wait patiently while your photos are uploaded to their server, and they render your model. 

Then export your model to your computer, to load it on to a 3D printer.

Step 3: Print Your Model!

I printed my model with an Objet Connex 500 printer, and it came out pretty great! In the future I am going to be mindful not to take pictures while facing the sun, and try and catch objects on foggy/overcast days for perfectly diffused light without harsh shadows.

Comments

[sksponda]

yes, that is the liberator Simón Bolívar, and the design was Scipio Todolini.

[pedrorondon]

Who´s the guy on the sculpture?... Simon Bolivar?.

[Spesh00]

Keep in mind one of the things 123d recommends is background while taking pictures so that it has a better sense of the differences between the photos. Although with the little background you had it turned out pretty good!