There is provided an image processing apparatus and an image processing method that enable selection of viewpoints of depth images suitable for creation of a 3D model. A viewpoint determination unit determines that a candidate viewpoint be a viewpoint of a depth image of a 3D model on the basis of the 3D model projected on a screen from the candidate viewpoint. The present disclosure can be applied to, for example, an encoding device or the like that generates and encodes color images and depth images from predetermined viewpoints, from color images and depth images from a plurality of viewpoints of a 3D model of a subject.