How to Add 3D Objects to Photos with fSpy and Element 3D in After Effects

This tutorial shows you how to add a 3D object to photo. By using a free camera matching software fSpy we are going to get the right focal length, orientation and position of the camera in 3D space. We are then going to import the camera data in to After Effects with the help of a free script that I wrote. The script creates a camera that matches the photo. With the Element 3D plugin we are then going to place a 3D model in to our scene.
Time stamps:
00:00 - Intro
00:54 - Import photo scale the scene and render
01:35 - Download fSpy and fSpy importer script
02:00 - Open fSpy and calibrate camera
03:45 - Run fSpy importer script and create camera
04:47 - Add 3D model using Element 3D
04:47 - Add 3D model using Element 3D
07:47 - Create and setup lights
09:45 - Adding shadows to the scene
11:10 - Outro
What is fSpy?
Camera matching, or camera calibration, is the process of estimating camera parameters from certain features in an image. fSpy computes the approximate focal length, orientation and position of the camera in 3D space based on user defined control points in still images. The computed camera parameters can be used in other apps, for example 3D modeling tools.
fSpy (Free camera matching software):
fspy.io/
fSpy importer for After Effects (Free script)
payhip.com/b/VKS7o
Element 3D plugin:
www.videocopilot.net/products...
Download the free project file, script and 3D model here:
payhip.com/b/BD9fw
Elephant 3D model by:
onderonvermez at Sketchfab
Music by ‪@airswe‬
Huge shoutout to Peter F & Per D who helped me with the programming of the AE script. Also, big thanks to NTProductions for his well explained tutorials in Adobe ExtendScript. Give him some love at his channel ‪@NTProductions‬
Thanks for watching!
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#fspy
#aftereffectstutorial
#cameracalibration

[@CapVFX]

The script to import camera data from fSpy to After Effects can be downloaded here: payhip.com/b/VKS7o Having issues with it? Please leave me some feedback on how I could improve it? I will try to update it frequently 👍

[@Aldoistaken]

This is exactly what I needed man, thanks a lot! I had to try different mapping inside fSpy to get it to work in After Effect but it looks great now. ✨ Anyway keep up the good work!

[@CapVFX]

Glad it helped!

[@mirshand]

Hello and thank you for the script, it will be a necessary tool now on. I have a question, I´m using AFX 22 and fSpy, but after running the script it only loads the camera and not the solid, Where can I re-check settings?

[@CapVFX]

Thank you for bringing this to my attention. This issue should be fixed now. You can download and overwrite the script. Link to download: payhip.com/b/VKS7o

[@CGENVOLUTION]

@@CapVFX Sorry,I also get the camera only,there is not the solid?and the camera orientation all in 0. thanks

[@CapVFX]

@@CGENVOLUTION I'm the one who's sorry. I updated the script and the initial problem turned up again. I should be fixed now: payhip.com/b/VKS7o

[@dancingpeanut1592]

@@CapVFX Hi, I downloaded your last version but I do not get a solid either... Thank you

[@dancingpeanut1592]

Actually I see it if I deactivate the fSpy camera, and it's no where close to the shape I should see anyway... can you help please?

[@andrewj22]

My ground solid is importing behind the camera. :( Edit: Fixed this. The video says that the z should be pointing towards you, but it would be better to say that you should be between the z and x arrows. Now my main problem is that the imported AE camera doesn't match the sensor size that I entered in fSpy, so my focus and depth of field are way off in AE.

[@CapVFX]

Sorry for a late reply. I'm glad you fixed it. Thanks for the feedback and Your main problem: Have you tried without typing in the sensor size in fSpy? I think that the fSpy camera parameters handles the sensor size automatically. Let me know if it works or not. Thanks

[@l0tus459]

i cant do it, every time i load your script the plane just doesn't appear, the camera and the solid layers are there but the plane in the picture itself does not

[@l0tus459]

ok, forget it totally my fault, i use z and x backwards in fspy, great tutorial by the way!

[@CapVFX]

No problem. Glad you worked it out mate ;)