I run a website called Surface Mimic, that offers high res 3D surface scans and textures for games and FX artists.
I’m using a photographic scanning technique that produces diffuse flat lit color and displacement maps / normals of various surfaces. Each scan is up to 36 megapixels (~7200 x 4900). I run around with a portable rig scanning surfaces like human skin, clothing, animal skins, tree bark, asphalt, brick walls, etc. Then I make those available on the Surface Mimic site.
These surface scans are perfect for quickly getting realistic details into your models, avoiding the need to hand paint every detail. So far, ZBrush, Mudbox and Mari artists have been the biggest users, but increasingly texture artists have been integrating the matched normal and color scans in their work, even for film.
Let me know what you think!
PS - There’s watermarked full res samples of every scan on the site available if you make an account. You’ll also get a free $10 discount code when you register so you can try some out that way too.
Paul Callender
www.surfacemimic.com