Lithophanes are 3D printed images that appear when backlit. They are a beautiful and unique way to display your favorite photos. When choosing a photo for your lithophane, there are a few things to keep in mind:
Choose a high-contrast photo.
Lithophanes rely on the difference in contrast between parts of the image to create the illusion of depth. A photo with high contrast will produce a more detailed and realistic lithophane.
Choose a well-lit photo.
The photo should be well-lit and evenly exposed. This will help to ensure that the lithophane is bright and clear.
Avoid photos with too much detail.
Lithophanes are best suited for simple photos with few details. Photos with too much detail may appear cluttered or muddy when printed.
Choose a photo that you love.
Your lithophane is a piece of art, so choose a photo that you will cherish for years to come.
Once you have chosen a photo, you will need to prepare it for upload to your 3D printing service. Here are a few tips:
Resize the photo to the correct dimensions.
Most 3D printing services will have specific requirements for the dimensions of the photo you upload. Be sure to resize your photo to the correct dimensions before uploading it.
Crop the photo if necessary.
You may need to crop the photo to remove any unwanted elements, such as the background or the edges of the frame.
Adjust the brightness and contrast of the photo.
You may need to adjust the brightness and contrast of the photo to improve the quality of the lithophane.
Save the photo in the correct format.
Most 3D printing services will accept JPEG or PNG files. Be sure to save your photo in the correct format before uploading it.
Once you have prepared your photo, you can upload it to your 3D printing service. Once the photo has been uploaded, you can choose the size and shape of your lithophane and place your order.
Here are some additional tips for choosing the right photo for your lithophane:
Choose a photo with a personal connection.
Lithophanes make a great way to display your favorite memories. Choose a photo of your family, friends, or pets to create a truly unique and meaningful lithophane.
Consider the placement of your lithophane.
Where will you be displaying your lithophane? If you will be displaying it in a well-lit area, you can choose a photo with a lighter contrast. If you will be displaying it in a dimly lit area, you may want to choose a photo with a higher contrast.
Don't be afraid to experiment.
There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to choosing a photo for your lithophane. Experiment with different photos to see what produces the best results.
With a little planning, you can choose the perfect photo for your custom 3D printed lithophane.
Check out this blog by Alex Killioglu for more details on choosing a photo and designing a lithophane.