BumpyPhoto takes your prints to another dimension

For a few years now, the photofinishing industry has been faced with a problem. The number of photos being captured is soaring, but in an era of social networking and the throwaway snapshots posted on the likes of Facebook, print revenues aren't. In fact, the reverse is true: they're gradually falling. The answer for many businesses has been to refocus on products that aren't easily made at home, such as photo books and other personalized photo products.

With the right source image, the BumpyPhoto effect can be pretty eyecatching. Photo provided by BumpyPhoto.

Now, a recently-founded company is offering a new way to share your photos. Based on both sides of the Atlantic in Portland, Oregon and London, BumpyPhoto will take your two-dimensional image and manually create a depth map, simulating the third dimension that your camera didn't capture. This is used to create a three-dimensional BumpyPhoto, made from a hard resin with colors embedded in the outer layer, and protected by a matte varnish.  As well as three-dimensional prints, you can also opt for a cutout where the background is discarded, and only your main subject is retained in its newly-generated 3D glory.

The 24-bit color isn't simply a coating on the resin, but actually extends beneath the surface. Photo provided by BumpyPhoto.

It's a complex process, and unsurprisingly, not one that will come cheaply. A wide range of options are available beyond print size, such as the depth of the print (and hence the strength of the 3D effect), production speed, the number and type of subjects in the photo, and optional services such as retouching.  If you choose, you can see a 3D model before the final product is created, but you'll pay extra for the privilege.

Three different depths are available for the BumpyPhoto effect. Photo provided by BumpyPhoto.

Even at the smallest size and with the least options, though, you'll pay a minimum of US$35 for a one inch print. For an extra-thick group shot with six full-body subjects, shipped as fast as possible and with some approval and retouching, you're looking at a pricetag upwards of US$1,400 for a 15-inch BumpyPhoto.

Still, there's no denying it could make for a pretty unique gift, or an eyecatching conversation piece. If you're not in a rush and stay at sizes below eight inches, where the price quickly begins to ramp up, you'll find prices  at least reasonably affordable, in the region of US$120-200 or so. If the idea grabs you, visit BumpyPhoto.com for more info...

(Via Gizmag)

As well as people, vehicles, and buildings, BumpyPhoto subjects can include pets. Photo provided by BumpyPhoto.