Cool Dims 3-D Portrait Studio Creates Custom Figurines

Everyone has likely thought about what it would be like if they could have an action figure of themselves. And now, thanks to the technology at Cool Dims 3-D Portrait Studio, located in the Brookside Professional Plaza (downstairs from our New Tampa Neighborhood News office), next to Saddlebrook Resort on S.R. 54 in Wesley Chapel, that idea can be less of a dream and more of a reality.

Business owner and Meadow Pointe resident Chris Lee (photo, top left) opened Cool Dims in 2014, but already has made figurines out of law enforcement officers, firefighters, sports mascots, fitness models, brides and grooms, children of all ages and even dogs. What better gift to give mom on Mother’s Day (Sunday, May 10) than a miniature version of yourself or your kids? Imagine having a figurine of your student forever cast in their graduation garb. It’s all a possibility at Cool Dims.

The figurines are a perfect way to make a lasting memory out of nearly any occasion. For example, consider high school proms. You or your teens spend lots of time planning out the night and getting ready for the big dance. Photos are a great way to look back at the moment, but a 3-D figurine can remind you of just how well that dress or tux fit.

Chris graduated with a B.S. degree in Operations Management Technology from Tampa Technical Institute in 2000 after which he went on to work for several wireless companies. But, he says that he grew tired of his corporate job in the wireless industry and wanted to start his own business, but wasn’t sure what kind of business to start.

“I was watching the news one night and 3-D printing came up as a headline,” Chris explains. “So, I started looking into 3-D printing. I thought it would be something that isn’t really available in this area.”

Chris says that he kept researching the concept and, after seeing that there really was a lack of 3-D photography studios in New Tampa and Wesley Chapel, decided to make it happen. He settled on the name “Cool Dims,” which is short for “Cool Dimensions.” Chris has assembled a team of experts to help get his unique idea off the ground. In addition to Chris, Cool Dims employs seven people, each with different skills from photography to 3-D animation and design.

How It Works

Making a 3-D sculpture, no matter the size, isn’t easy. At Cool Dims, Chris and his team have assembled a rig (photo, top right) that is comprised of 92 digital SLR Canon cameras that are positioned in a 360-degree circle (including a few cameras above) to capture nearly every angle of any subject, whether it’s a person or even an animal. The cameras are remote controlled and all take a photo at the same time. Through a process called photogrammetry, the photos are then stitched together into a 3-D image and sent over to a local 3-D printing shop to print out the finished product.

Chris says that a typical photo session only takes about 20 minutes, but it can take as long as four hours to assemble the photos together  and make them look as life-like as possible.

“When customers make an appointment to come in, we find out their height and set up a mannequin in the rig to get a good idea of where each camera should point,” Chris explains.

Once the customer is positioned in the rig, Chris and one of his employees do a final check to make sure each camera is focused in on the right point.

“We take that 3-D image and the artist cleans up the image and adds more details,” Chris explains. “When the photos get stitched together, it’s a pretty realistic image of the person, but our artists go through and make sure that details aren’t lost. We’ll go through the hair and make sure the facial features are all accurate, make sure the eyes, the nose and the mouth actually look like the person.”

Chris says that customers can hold themselves in their own hands in about 7-10 business days.

Professional Photography, Too

In addition to shooting 92 photos of a customer at once, Cool Dims also offers the option of taking one at a time in Lee’s on-site photography studio. In fact, Cool Dims offers a free studio photography session with each 3-D photo session.

Chris says that many times, customers don’t seek out professional photographs of themselves, but since the service is offered in a 3-D package, customers get to take one home, either way, along with several proofs of other poses if they decide to order more.

Although Lee can make figurines of just about anyone or anything, he’s found a unique way to entice the local sports market. “I figured the Wesley Chapel/New Tampa area was a good one for this concept because there are so many youth sports programs here,” Chris says.

Cool Dims actually has developed the first 3-D printed trophy, which can feature you or your young athlete on top, as opposed to a generic ball representative of the sport or a golden, faceless figurine.

“Having placed in my first fitness competition in November at the WBFF (World Beauty, Fitness & Fashion, Inc.) show in Miami, I was encouraged to commemorate my experience,” says Nikki Bennett, general manager of the New Tampa & Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News. “I had never heard of 3-D printing for personalized figurines until I heard about Cool Dims, and I thought it was a really cool idea. Since they offer packages that include professional photos, I figured I would give it a try. I am happy that I did! The staff is extremely professional and very easy to work with. And the replica is awesome! I am happy that I chose to work with Chris, and the Cool Dims team and I would recommend them to anyone.”

For more information about Cool Dims or to set an appointment, email GetInfo@CoolDims.com or call 321-6842.