One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a technique for generating a three-dimensional (3D) model of an individual. The technique involves receiving pose data that includes image data associated with the individual being in a pose, selecting from a database a morphable 3D generic human model based on a gender of the individual, adjusting a pose of the morphable 3D generic model based on the image data, identifying, based on the image data, one or more 3D appearance parameter objects included in the database, and adjusting via one or more processors one or more properties of the morphable 3D generic model based on the image data as well as the one or more 3D appearance parameter objects to produce the 3D model of the individual.