What happens during 3D scanning appointment for a custom dress form?
We start by walking you through the 3D scanning process, making sure that you are comfortable. We allocate plenty of time for you to ask any questions which you might have.
Typical appointment takes one hour.However, for our extra busy clients, who likes to “get it done as fast as possible”, we offer “condensed” appointments – as quick as 15-30 minutes. Please let us know ahead of time if you prefer this type of service.
We have been scanning people
for custom dress forms for 5 years and we know:
how to make people comfortable
and
how to take the most helpful scan
During the 3D scanning appointment we will do 3-4 scanning sessions, each lasting 3-5 minutes. You will need to stand still in your neutral posture and breathe normally. The scanning technician will walk around you several times, holding the scanner approximately 2 feet away from your body, moving it up and down (the scanner doesn’t touch your body). The scanner produces patterned flashes of regular white light (see medical considerations page for more information). Then, similar to a regular camera, it records the reflected light at average speed of 15 frames per second (!).
Between these sessions you can relax and review the scanned data.
This preview of the “raw” data will give you a good idea of how your final scan will look.
We will also take a few key hand measurements to cross-check some areas of the 3D scan. These measurements will help us to address variations in the body caused by breathing.
Additionally, we will discuss possible digital adjustments for managing the difference between the “material” of the body and the dress form.
The key for a successful dress form 3D scan – is capturing client’s neutral posture.
How to get acquainted with your neutral posture
Please note, that it is almost certain that you will see slight asymmetry in your body. We all have it to some extent. Being aware of it will be beneficial not only for your scanning expectations but also for your sewing in general!
When we can see ourselves in a mirror we automatically make adjustments to stand more straight and more symmetrical. A lot of times it happens so fast that we are not even aware about these adjustments. Similarly, when we are posing for pictures we try to look in a certain way which is likely to be different from our natural body position. Because of that our neutral posture is different from what we are accustomed to see.
Learning about your neutral posture will help you to better understand your body and to prepare yourself for seeing your 3d scan and your dress form.
To observe the natural position of your body:
1. Stand in front of a mirror with you eyes closed.
2. Relax, drop your shoulders but don’t pull them down. Roll them back and forth and leave them where it feels natural. Let them be comfortable.
3. Think about the curvature of your spine. Pull your stomach in only slightly. It should be in a position that you could keep for more then just a few minutes.
4. Take a few breaths and notice how your body position feels. You want your body to feel relaxed but not collapsed.
5. Focus on keeping exact same position as you open your eyes.
6. Very likely, you’ll feel the urge to make adjustments – to bring your posture closer to the one that you are accustomed to see. Resist that urge.
7. Analyze your posture:
8. Repeat all the steps while you stand with your side facing the mirror.