Is How To Create and Blend 3D Objects worth it if you’re shopping in Photography?
Quick answer
| Best for | Photoshop artists who want to add 3D elements to their composites but don’t know where to start in Cinema 4D. |
| Skip if | You are a complete beginner to both 3D modeling and Photoshop, or if you prefer Blender over Cinema 4D. |
| Price | $10 |
| Format | 5 video tutorials (6+ hours) + stock, 3D, and PSD project files |
| One-line take | A low-cost, high-density crash course that bridges the gap between 3D modeling and 2D compositing. |
What you’re actually buying
Most 3D tutorials teach you how to model a chair or render a car. They rarely teach you how to take that 3D object, drop it into a 2D photograph, and make it look like it belongs there. That specific workflow—moving from Cinema 4D to Photoshop for seamless blending—is the core value of How To Create and Blend 3D Objects. For $10, you aren’t just getting five hours of video; you are getting the exact source files needed to follow along. This includes the stock photography, the 3D models, and the layered PSD files for each project, which is rare at this price point.
The package breaks down into five distinct projects, each roughly an hour long. You start with a UFO, learning how to use the Cloner object to add lights and create glowing beams. Then you move to a Crown, where you’ll learn symmetry techniques and how to use camera blur for realistic depth of field. The middle of the course tackles a Lock, focusing on creating metallic ropes and blending the object behind a human subject in a field. Later, you’ll build Hidden Stairs using the Cloner again and learn how to add realistic water reflections. The final project, Chicken and Eggs, teaches you how to clone eggs into specific shapes and manage foreground/background blur in Photoshop.
This isn’t just a “watch and nod” tutorial. Because Kevin Carden includes the creative process behind each idea, you learn how to conceptualize a 3D element before you even open the software. The step-by-step nature of the Cinema 4D and Photoshop workflow means you can pause, replicate the exact settings, and then experiment. It’s a structured way to learn the specific skills needed to make 3D objects look “real” in a photographic context, rather than just “digital.”
Why it’s on our radar
This pack stands out because it solves a very specific problem: the disconnect between 3D rendering and 2D compositing. Many artists can model in 3D or edit in Photoshop, but few are comfortable moving fluidly between the two. By packaging the 3D files and PSDs together, this $10 tutorial series removes the friction of having to hunt for compatible assets. It’s a complete ecosystem for learning the blend.
The specificity of the projects—UFO, Crown, Lock, Stairs, Eggs—also signals a focus on practical, visual effects-style work rather than abstract 3D art. If you are a photographer or digital artist looking to add a “wow” factor to your work without learning full-blown 3D animation, this is a targeted entry point. It’s less about becoming a 3D generalist and more about mastering the art of the composite. (How To Create and Blend 3D Objects)
What actually matters
Before you buy, confirm that you have a license for Cinema 4D. This tutorial is built specifically for that software; the techniques for using the Cloner, symmetry, and camera blur are unique to Maxon’s ecosystem. If you are a Blender user, you will need to translate these concepts, which defeats the purpose of a step-by-step guide. (How To Create and Blend 3D Objects)
Check your Photoshop version compatibility. While the core blending techniques (layer masks, blur, color matching) are universal, the specific PSD files provided may use features available in newer versions. Since you are getting the source files, you can open them and see exactly what is being done, which is a huge advantage for troubleshooting. (How To Create and Blend 3D Objects)
Finally, consider your current skill level. This course assumes you know the basics of Photoshop layers and some general computer literacy. It is not a “what is a pixel” course. If you are comfortable with basic photo editing, you will get the most out of the blending techniques in Photoshop. If you are brand new to digital art, you might want to start with a more foundational Photoshop course first.
Mid-check
If you are ready to start modeling and blending, See current options.
FAQ
Do I need to own Cinema 4D to use this course? Yes. The tutorials are built specifically for Cinema 4D, and the provided 3D files are in a format compatible with that software. The techniques taught (Cloner, Symmetry, Camera Blur) are specific to Cinema 4D’s interface and tools. (How To Create and Blend 3D Objects)
Are the project files included with the purchase? Yes. The package includes the stock images, 3D files, and PSD files for all five projects. This allows you to follow along exactly with the instructor and inspect the layers and settings used in the final composites. (How To Create and Blend 3D Objects)
Is this suitable for complete beginners to 3D? It is suitable for beginners to 3D modeling if you are already comfortable with Photoshop. The course walks you through the modeling steps, but it assumes you can navigate a 3D viewport and understand basic file management. If you have never opened a 3D program, you will have a learning curve, but the step-by-step nature helps. (How To Create and Blend 3D Objects)
How long is the total video content? The package is over 6 hours long in total. Each of the five projects ranges from about 55 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes, giving you a substantial amount of content for the $10 price tag. (How To Create and Blend 3D Objects)
Bottom line
If you are a photographer or digital artist who wants to add 3D elements to your work but feels stuck in the “how do I make it look real” phase, How To Create and Blend 3D Objects is a no-brainer at $10. You get the tools, the files, and the specific blending techniques to bridge the gap between 3D and 2D. It’s a focused, practical course that respects your time and your wallet.