My first thread...

[a3dmind]

What do you think?
Lightwave, Fprime, Photoshop, RPC
http://www.geocities.com/tsouloupas77/main.jpg
http://www.geocities.com/tsouloupas77/back2.jpg
http://www.geocities.com/tsouloupas77/back.jpg
http://www.geocities.com/tsouloupas77/side.jpg

[MooseDog]

i like the third one best. the lighting doesn't seem so blown out in that image.

great work all around tho, and clearly demonstrates that archviz need not be dominated by that other software package :D

[neilp]

keep check on your colour saturation and / or diffuse levels to surface styles, this colaborates directly with your lighting set up too. I tend to model everything and texture with between 50 - 70% diffuse on most (matt) building materials. I colour virtually everything white until i am happy with the overall lighting effect. Then I concentrate on procedurals and map textures independently.
A lot of archi visualisers also seem to over saturate foliage and tree context which detracts from the subject. Remember all surrounding context is important but don't let it become overpowering to your clients goal. Realistic images need a fine balance between subject and context to sell their 'dream'.
Cars I feel should be incorporated in less harsh colour as again these seem to 'draw ones eye' away from the architecture.
Your close in image (no3) feels more comfortable as a viewer, this I think is due to softer shadows and a little less hard raytracing. Let the shadows work for you..they dont allways have to be daunting and harsh and can give a good impression of soft but real contrast whilst offering depth and realism.
Your sky would benefit from a little more 'depth' in colour too, I think this would help your architectural 'skyline' gain more credability and stop the white 'cores' bleeding into the sky.
One last thing (images 1,2 + 4) composition: try and introduce a little more foreground to these images, as a rough guide have an equalish ammount of foreground as you have sky, this stops the buildings 'dropping out of your compositions'
Keep up the good work

[a3dmind]

I appreciate your replies,

Neilp: - your point about the diffuse levels was interesting. I have always modeled with the default value of 100% and maybe this way I haven't got enough control over my surfaces. - You are right about the over saturated trees. Next time I will use better references. - Cars (especially the red one) where the wish of my customer as for the placement and the colour/saturation. :rolleyes: - I understand how the sky may look false, but it varies from place to place, and here in Cyprus, on the many good days we have, the sky is a flat blue colour. But in my next project I will try to achieve more contrast between buildings and sky. -The lighting here is really intense (it is still summer here :) ) therefore this lighting setup actually is a simulation of a good day here in Cyprus.

Cheers

[neilp]

a3dmind,
Send me some plane tickets - i'm on my way, It must be well hot in Cyprus!
Come to think of it i've been to Iya Napa (bad spelling - I know) and it was sooo hot I had to sleep with the fridge door open with my head in the vegetable tray!
Enjoy that sun. ;)

[monovich]

did you meet a girl at Fred 62 tonight?