2.5D PARALLAX EFFECT + PHOTOMANIPULATION

This is a photo comping work that I did for class, where I combined and blend 3 unrelated pictures of a bird, lizard and a background image that I find suitable. After that, I separate both subject and background into 2 different layers in Photoshop, and save it.

Then, I import the Photoshop file into After Effect, with the intention to make a 2.5D parallax effect, where the still frames would seems like they "exist" in the short clip.

The first step that I took is to split the subject and background in After effect. This can be done easily, as I already saved the Psd file before I import it. Then, I create a new camera layer and toggle the 3D checkbox for both subject and background. After that, I animate the camera so that it moves away from the stills. This creates the parallax effect, and not just a typical zooming out. To add more "realism", I use the puppet pin tool and try to subtly animate the head of my subject so it move slightly upwards.