There are quite a few different software packages out there that can "render" or digitally paint a picture. Some are quite expensive, others not so expensive. I have three different ones, Bryce 6.1, DAZ Studio 1.8 and Carrara 3D Express.

Most of my early illustrations were created in Bryce. This is a program that can create some very nice landscapes. I've found some good tutorials that I've shared here that use Bryce.

DAZ Studio is a program that is available for free and works quite nicely for isolations and closeups (for me!). I've been able to do more with my lighting and the shading that was available.

Then I recently was able to purchase Carrara. Wow, what a difference! I still had wonderful control over the ...

Sometimes I go looking through portfolios of individuals looking for help on the forums. I came across this one and just couldn't resist getting it. I love musical fountains and this one is so well done.

So pass it on!

In keeping with the spirit of others, I decided to also download a shot from a newbie. I chose this shot for it's outstanding colors and clearness. Besides, it's Philly! I was raised just outside of Philly!

I thought you might appreciate seeing how I personally have been putting the tutorials that I found to good use. I've already shown you the image I created using the layering technique. These three images were all created using the other tutorials I'd found and posted. They were easy to make, and the longest that any of them took to render was a little over 5 hours. Now, granted there are other ways to create these same effects. I'd love to see what you can come up with!

I'll admit it, trying to render this scene in one take was going to take more time than I was willing to put up with. And I'd heard about layering a render.

After asking around, I discovered this tutorial, Making The Massive It worked just great!

So you want to try to create this effect in 3D but haven't quite figured out how? I gotta admit, I'm one of the ones who keeps trying to do it.

Today I found this tutorial, Mist and Water Vapour. I plan to try it myself in a day or two. Good luck!

This image of Susan's has always fascinated me. Remarkably simple, yet absolutely stunning. For me the question has always been "how do I create the chain?" I've always believed that I could do anything once I set my mind to it. Sometimes, however, it helps to have a tutorial to start with.

Then I found this little gem, Making Chains . This should give you a good jumping off point!

We've all seen fabulous photos like this one where you can see the sunlight streaming through a window. Did you ever wonder if that effect could be duplicated in an 3D image? In searching for that picture, all that came up were actually photos.

But then I found this tutorial! Streaming Light It was created for Bryce, but I'm sure something similar could be achieved in any program that uses lights that you can place yourself.

So, fellow 3D artists, go out there and create something new! We can't let the photogs have all the fun!

Or maybe not. I blush to admit just how little time it took to create this render of a blue marlin, yet it is the most popular image I have. At the other end of the scale is this fantastic image of Susan's. If I remember correctly, it took days to render, but with absolutely fabulous results!

Time is always something that we should consider. It takes time to set up a scene in 3D, add the lighting, position the camera just so. Then it takes even more time to render the image at the size you want to submit. So manage your time accordingly. Break up creating the scene into manageable chunks of time. Keep lots of notes!

Sandy

Tony is currently writing a series of tutorials for Photoshop, so I thought I'd start encouraging folks here to try 3D. "Why go 3D?" you ask. Because in 3D work, you can once again begin to play with light and shadows. You can create without the need for drawing skills at all. Much like photography, you can work with models that have already been created, dress them to fit your need, pose them as you choose, add lighting, backgrounds, and render into some truly stunning shots.

You can also create some stunning shots from very few items as well. A quick search through the computer generated illustration category yielded some great shots that were difficult to distinguish from photos. Some of the ones ...