Exterior shot. Critique please

[Ruprect]

I am getting a bit frustrated with this one. It is almost there, but I am pretty sure that it could be better. I think maybe I need to look at my lighting setup. I would appreciate the advice of my peers on how to improve this image.

[AFK_Matrix]

Some information on the software you are using and your light setup might help. 3DS Max, Vray, Rhino etc.

[Ruprect]

Image created with 3d max 2009 and rendered with Vray 1.5. Lit with 1 direct spotlight and vray environment skylight.

[AFK_Matrix]

Thanks for the info.

 

I am no expert with vray so I think I will leave that to the experts. But I can say that you need to improve your textures or render your image out at a higher res as the image seems blurry.

 

The brick texture could do with some more displacement or bump map.

 

Same thing with your roof tiles, they seem very flat and fake add some displacement to them.

 

You need some gutters on your porch roofs.

 

There is usually a little overhang of the roof tiles at gable ends.

 

Your window sills seem to protrude quite a lot and are quite simple, but if that is the design then you can't do anything about that.

 

Try toneing down the window reflections a bit and add some curtains.

 

Move the tree that is bang in the middle of the render or move the camera, you don't want to be looking at the tree the focus should be the house.

 

Maybe put some leaves close up in the sky area so you can break up that big blue sky.

 

I would also try rendering a shot from head height (6ft/1.8m) might look more life like.

 

If you want some pictures to look at have a look on my website here: www.kds-cgi-portfolio.co.uk as I worked for a housing company for 4 years doing nothing but exterior renders.

Edited February 5, 2009 by AFK_Matrix

[Ruprect]

Thanks very much for the reply Kelly.

 

I am not sure why the image uploaded so blurry. It seems to have lost alot of detail in the compression. I have uploaded a close up of the building which hopefully shows up clearer.

 

Your absolutely right about the roof tiles. I have been banging my head against the (displaced) wall trying to get them looking right. I see from your portfolio images that this is something you managed to do very nicely indeed. I will go back and have another go with tile displacement.

 

I am going to go back and make the changes you suggested. It is always good to get an independant opinion, which is why this website is so good.

 

Thanks again.

[AFK_Matrix]

Hi Adrian,

 

Even after 4 years there are still things I need to improve lol, my biggest challenge is to be come good with Vray, so lots of practice ahead

 

The other option that I have used for roof tiles if your having a headache with displacement is to actually model the tiles. Draw a spline in side view with the profile you need for the tiles stepping down and then just extrude them and match up your texture.

 

And that close up does look better quality, I am just wondering what colour you have for your sun? Just seems quite a white light.

 

My images on my website don't actually use any Vray as I knew nothing about it when I created them so I used Lightracer inside of Max. It wasn't bad and each render only took 30mins. But I need all the help I can get too and I am constantly learning new things as well, it never stops .

Edited February 5, 2009 by AFK_Matrix

[Ruprect]

Hi Kelly,

 

I think you are right about the white light. I added a touch of yellow to the direct light and I think it looks alot better. Also changed the camera angle as you suggested and moved the tree out of the way. ( I think move the men off to the side as well)

 

It still needs a fair bit of work, but I definitely think I am getting there.

 

Now to tackle that roof!!

[AFK_Matrix]

Hi Adrian,

 

Yeah that is already looking a lot better

 

I would put some curtains or something in the top windows as it seems strange seeing straight through the room to the other windows. On a bright day if you look at window reflections they are quite dark and you can't see into the room much.

 

Also I may just be being picky here but with your gutters I would put in the gutter supports just to break up the gutter profile. And I personally don't like the colour of that first car, maybe a deeper colour?

 

If you post your Vray settings I can look them over for you. As I say I am no expert but I did go on one of Brian Smith's great Vray courses and have all the videos from it and his book so I might be able to make some suggestions.

 

And if you do want to model those tiles and arn't sure what I ment I can email you a max file with the tile profile in it.

[Ruprect]

Ouch!

 

Ok some good points made there. Definitely some things for me to look at. Oh yes, the Neil Blevins tutorials are at http://www.neilblevins.com/cg_education/cg_education.htm. The other link appeared to be dead.

 

Thanks for the comments, I will keep working on it.

 

I really like the panoramic view...got me thinking...

Edited February 5, 2009 by Ruprect

[Tommy L]

At last! Homosexual representation in advertising. Equality is just around the corner. You just dont see enough guys chatting with other guys in shorts with pink cars in publicity shots.

[Ruprect]

This is going from bad to worse

[Tommy L]

Sorry, only kidding.

There are a couple of things you need to address here. One, is the colour in your materials. Two, the camera angle is not good. Three, the AA is bad, causing blurring.

 

Try first rendering a greyscale to check your lighting. Then lower the camera to a human angle.

 

Then go throught the materials one by one and make sure the color is what you want.

[Ruprect]

Thanks Tommy,

 

I have alot to look at, I have recieved some great feedback.

[Ruprect]

Do you really think there was any need to repeat that quote and laugh?

 

Constructive critism is alway welcome, taking the advice of your peers is a great way to improve. I see nothing constructive about your last post

 

....dude.

Edited February 6, 2009 by Ruprect

[Ruprect]

Here is the grey scale image as suggested.

[Fran]

Hi Adrian,

 

I think you are progressing nicely based on the feedback you've received. Some things that you might find helpful:

 

Think about how you want the background image to tie in with your model. A good background image can work wonders. You can find lots of suitable, royalty-free images on the web.

• Examine the textures for your tree foliage and compare them with actual photos of trees in similar lighting situations. See if you can adjust the hue and saturation to be more realistic.
  

• Plump up the mulch in the plant beds. There are many methods for doing this. Once you've plumped up the geometry, add bump or Vray displacement to your material.
  

• The human models should be more in the background. Maybe the female could be seen off to the right side preparing to open a car door. Or maybe eliminate her completely.
  

• Try a bump map on the roof shingles first. That may be all it takes to perk them up.
  

• I'm a bit rusty with Vray, but try different AA filters to see if you can get a crisper image. Unless...are you saving from the Max frame buffer or the Vray one? What file format are you saving to? If it's JPEG, try TARGA or TIFF.
  

• I think you would be happier with your results if you used the Vray sun. Just be sure to enable exposure control if you're using the Vray physical camera, or it will be way overblown.
  

 

I hope this helps. Keep pushing!

[Tommy L]

I think the light look ok in the greyscale. I would still back the camera up a bit to give the building room to breathe in the shot. I agree with Fran about the people. The building (I assume) should be the star of the show.

Materials next! This will be the trickiest part. Be brutal in your self criticism.

[Ruprect]

Again, many thanks to all of you for taking the time to provide me with feedback, I really find it invaluable. I am stripping this project right back and reworking it using your suggestions.