Thanks for the replies guys!
Two things that are over my head though, "proxied the ivy geometry". I don't know what that is exactly. It makes me think that I can replace the in model geometry with some simple form so I can work, but renders fully. If this is the case, then no I havent done that, and no I don't know how to do that.
Also, "use a linear workflow". I'm vaguely familiar with the term workflow in 3d modeling. But I don't know what that means in this case.
Sorry for being such a nube.
I am definitely a sucker for hard shadows (its either 4-6 pm or 6-8am for my renders most of the time). I get flak for it all the time, too. But i'll definitely put up some noonish shots.
Either way Ill google both asap. I gotta run now though, thanks again!
PS here are some more renderings before I had a chance to implement your suggestions.
The first is a shot between the two structures. Its a bit earlier than the other renderings. Since this one I raise the right glazed structure off the ground for an open market area below. But Im still struggling to decide what I want to do the walkway above (please excuse the floating tree ).
The second is from the west. Im unhappy with the way the low curvilinear form is rendering. Its supposed to be rough concrete on the side, but it looks terrible to me. Also this side is very bare. Its supposed to be high density residential, but I havent really worked with the facade yet or added amenities.
Finally the last one is a 7am shot from the east. The goal here was an early evening, where there is still light, but the interior lights have come on. I have all those lights from the night scene in this shot, but when I add the daylight system and the background they are not rendering. hmm. Ill try turning down my exposure even more and see if that works.