1) Use http://www.123dapp.com/. The Autodesk program does an excellent job of streamlining to process. In particular, the catch app works well for turning photos to 3D, although the make app was what I ultimately used. Works well to turn photos to 3D, however there are multiple factors that effect the 3D image quality. Light sources, camera quality, and consistency in photograph positions, height, and angles relative to object must be carefully considered.
2) Blender. http://www.blender.org/ Or any other animation software, although Blender is free. Unfortunately, the learning curve is quite steep, so much so that I had to meet with members of the Computer Science department to learn to use it. Use Blender to fine tune the image and make sure that it is self supportive and doesn't have any holes. Even with careful photography, (there were many trials), you will likely find yourself with an image that is full of holes and needs careful editing. http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Blender_3D:_Noob_to_Pro http://www.blenderguru.com/
3) Mesh Mixer was the software I used to turn the design into one that can be 3D printed. Makerbot does have an integrated system to build supports, however Mesh mixer does a much better job of customization and control of how the model is supported http://www.123dapp.com/sandbox http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:131054