Getting set
For this project I'll be using Blender, the open source 3D application. I started using Blender about six months ago, and see this project as an opportunity to really develop my skills. My references for the process of photorealistic modelling of a person include the Ballistic Publishing book Creative Essence: The Face, video tutorials on modelling a human by Jonathan Williamson of Montage Studio and one from The Gnomon Workshop on photorealistic texturing, plus an online tutorial by Ben Dansie of Montage Studio on photorealistic texturing in Blender. The Gnomon Workshop tutorials are for Maya, but the principles are the same.
Is this actually possible? Well, I could have an image including a 3D rendered model accepted on istock already if I tried. One of those out of focus busy people in the midground, behind the front person who would need to be a real model. I have had composites including people shot at different times accepted on istock already, so my compositing is not an issue. It is generally considered that a photorealistic main character is not doable yet. However 3D software and techniques are improving all the time. I've given myself a year. I think within that time it will be possible.