Photogrammetry Based 3D Print - Louise the Cactus

Pictured here is a 3D printed cactus shape. I used the design process of photogrammetry to construct the form. Bringing organic forms to inorganic materials is a step towards reminding the world where authentic, free beauty resides.

In order to arrive at a 3D printed version of the pictured cactus, I used software called Agisoft Metashape, Meshmixer, and Fabpilot. I also used multiple lights to build an adequate DIY lighting setup.

In my experience, lighting can be tricky depending on the time of day, the type of room and type of camera. Take it easy, give yourself lots of time to mix and match different lighting positions, types of material backgrounds, camera positions, and subject positions.

Here are the best results of my photo capturing. This step is important to get right because it determines the quality of digital file in Agisoft Metashape, and in the future, the accuracy of the print.

After doing a 360 scope of the 3D file in Agisoft, I moved the file into Meshmixer where I could customize the overall texture and feel of the final STL I would be printing. I also used

After picking up the completed 3D print, I chose to make the two prints into earrings. I bought some affordable ear wire to attach to the print. I then placed the tip of the ear wire in some fire to heat it up enough to melt the plastic filament. I was looking for a connection that resembled the feel that there was a real cactus inside of the red plastic, and that I had dipped the whole plant into red paint. The area where the ear wire connects to the plastic feels organic and adheres to the visceral appeal of the rest of the piece.