#40: The Art of Photogrammetry w/ Mason Menzies

Mason Menzies is the Photoscanning Manager at Poliigon, and in this podcast he distills his advice for anyone wanting to get started. Including recommended gear for photoscanning, best software, and dispelling common myths and misconceptions around the photoscanning process.

Mason Menzies Links:

Links discussed in podcast:


Chapter Markers:
00:00:00 - Intro
00:01:01 - Podcast Start
00:01:26 - What is photogrammetry good and bad at?
00:11:58 - How Mason got started
00:22:12 - Gear for photogrammetry
00:25:14 - Physical toll of photogrammetry
00:27:04 - What camera is best for photogrammetry
00:31:13 - What lens is best for photogrammetry
00:36:20 - What kind of lighting to use for photogrammetry
00:46:13 - Inverse Square Law
00:55:25 - Cops called for photogrammetry
01:00:50 - Poliigon ad
01:01:55 - Why using a polarizer is important
01:22:20 - Using Houdini at Poliigon
01:27:34 - Common mistakes of a beginner photo scanner
01:39:45 - Myths and Misconceptions about photo scanning
01:49:57 - Best software for photo scanning

Listen to The Andrew Price Podcast:

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[KevinMerinoCreations]

A great conversation! I have been doing structured light scanning of furniture for years, and have experimented with photogrammetry enough to find that it isn't the best solution on its own. The hybrid approach of combing both methods into one is proving very effective for our application. Thank you both for the sharing of your perspectives on the topic! 👏👏

[blenderguppy]

Great inverview! Just starting with this stuff as well. I don't get cops called on me because I live in a town where most people know each other but I certainly get the "what's that weird dude doing?" stares.

[QuestionMan]

Thanks Mason (and of course Andrew). This has been one of the most helpful overview and introduction no-BS podcasts I've watched. There's so much tutorial noise out there to sift through that is oppressively discouraging. Great links too.

[mulanmiller]

Really one of my favourite episodes! It's great to get a more technical oriented talk once in a while. Masons knowledge of the topic is just captivating, thanks for bringing him on!

[chunk_tuna]

What an interesting and informative conversation. Mason certainly is a great source on this topic. Thanks Andrew, really enjoyed it.

[IIvIIsWasp]

That James Candy is the best ever! (Not biased at all, not like I live with him) ❤

[BenTheMagnifice]

Its cool to see his passion and engagement with his art.

[QuestionMan]

Frequently during descriptions of various workflows throughout this entire podcast, this little voice in my head kept whispering, "I bet A.I. could be great for this part of the process."
But then, a lot of this went over my head, soooo....

[QuestionMan]

I hate to say it and it sounds dumb, but in higher-risk areas, wearing "official" looking gear will eliminate any calling of cops and many disruptions. For instance: a hi-viz safety vest, a comically visible identification lanyard, (style points) a couple of cheap collapsible nylon traffic cones or sandwich boards. Fact is, most folks who call the cops like that AREN'T big thinkers, they are just hyper-fearful and obsessive.

[QuestionMan]

😂 So true! "Step 1: Download an app" Nope, I'm out.