Planetside Software Forums

General => Image Sharing => Topic started by: choronr on August 15, 2013, 04:46:38 PM

Title: River Dormant
Post by: choronr on August 15, 2013, 04:46:38 PM
This is my first attempt at using Terragen 3. Hope to get better at it in the future.

River Dormant is usually a quiet, peaceful place until the torrential rains make their way. Then, you don't want to be in the middle of one as the flash floods rush through the dry river beds - this video taken in Arizona depicts why:  http://www.youtube.com/embed/_yCnQuILmsM?feature=player_embedded
Title: Re: River Dormant
Post by: efflux on August 15, 2013, 09:26:20 PM
Very nice POV and composition. Basic stones and grass are good. Nicely sized and spaced. Maybe a bit more surface detail work. Rays are good but I think you need to rework the clouds. If you get the lighting, clouds and atmosphere right, this could be a really great render.
Title: Re: River Dormant
Post by: choronr on August 15, 2013, 11:36:49 PM
Quote from: efflux on August 15, 2013, 09:26:20 PM
Very nice POV and composition. Basic stones and grass are good. Nicely sized and spaced. Maybe a bit more surface detail work. Rays are good but I think you need to rework the clouds. If you get the lighting, clouds and atmosphere right, this could be a really great render.
I agree with with your comments. But, I've not been happy with it. I'm going ahead with a different image and will spend more time with it. I have a few that deserve a rework ...I'll be back.
Title: Re: River Dormant
Post by: Dune on August 16, 2013, 03:02:34 AM
I like this start, it has the same feel as the video (I wish people used more steady camera's), but please dump the clouds. Might make a heavy sky in the distance, black, menacing, but distant!
And why not experiment with a 'wall' of debris... (use a pop of elongated stones as sticks).
Title: Re: River Dormant
Post by: EoinArmstrong on August 16, 2013, 03:22:23 AM
I like the varied terrain, but yeah the clouds are a little harsh
Title: Re: River Dormant
Post by: mhaze on August 16, 2013, 04:32:14 AM
Wow - great pov, great feeling of space but as others have said the clouds don't work.
Title: Re: River Dormant
Post by: Hannes on August 16, 2013, 07:58:08 AM
I don't really like the clouds as well, but otherwise a fantastic image, Bob.
Title: Re: River Dormant
Post by: choronr on August 16, 2013, 11:58:01 AM
Thanks to you all. Yes, those clouds are what was bothering me. I concentrated too much on the 'rays' not paying attention to the clouds. I will rework the image.
Title: Re: River Dormant
Post by: choronr on August 16, 2013, 02:38:45 PM
Quote from: Dune on August 16, 2013, 03:02:34 AM
I like this start, it has the same feel as the video (I wish people used more steady camera's), but please dump the clouds. Might make a heavy sky in the distance, black, menacing, but distant!
And why not experiment with a 'wall' of debris... (use a pop of elongated stones as sticks).
Was able to push the clouds way back in the distance. Also, made a bit different terrain foreground which seems to look better; but, the dry river bed in the distance has changed which should be OK. A pop of elongated stones will be tested; but, not sure yet where to place them.  Still needs more work - hopefully will have this re-rendered soon.
Title: Re: River Dormant
Post by: Markal on August 17, 2013, 12:53:04 AM
Keep on Bob...the clouds....well, you're working that...can't wait to see the next render...its already looking good!
Title: Re: River Dormant
Post by: TheBadger on August 17, 2013, 06:50:15 AM
I like the whole idea here. Maybe a stream that was once clearly a raging river some time ago? Seems a shame to have nothing left of what was once obviously there in force.
Title: Re: River Dormant
Post by: Kadri on August 18, 2013, 05:58:01 PM
Nice start and good suggestions.
Curious what you will post next.
Title: Re: River Dormant 3
Post by: choronr on August 19, 2013, 12:41:33 PM
Final adjustments include moving the clouds far in the distance; adding the eagle; modifying the lower 2/3 of the foreground with plants and terrain adjusted. I believe the image is an improvement over the first iteration.
Title: Re: River Dormant
Post by: mhaze on August 19, 2013, 12:55:52 PM
Excellent - great changes.
Title: Re: River Dormant
Post by: yossam on August 19, 2013, 12:57:37 PM
I like............... ;)
Title: Re: River Dormant
Post by: Kadri on August 19, 2013, 01:29:17 PM

It does have an alien world feel.I like it!
Title: Re: River Dormant
Post by: choronr on August 19, 2013, 01:54:29 PM
Thank you all, I appreciate it. Now, onto another project.
Title: Re: River Dormant
Post by: EoinArmstrong on August 19, 2013, 02:36:10 PM
Yeah it's better - really love the clouds in the background!
Title: Re: River Dormant
Post by: Oshyan on August 19, 2013, 04:18:58 PM
Definite improvement! You have an odd ridge in the mid-ground on the left that I think might be easily fixed by increasing "Ridge Smoothing" in your Power Fractal. Other than that, looks good.

- Oshyan
Title: Re: River Dormant
Post by: choronr on August 19, 2013, 04:46:51 PM
Quote from: Oshyan on August 19, 2013, 04:18:58 PM
Definite improvement! You have an odd ridge in the mid-ground on the left that I think might be easily fixed by increasing "Ridge Smoothing" in your Power Fractal. Other than that, looks good.

- Oshyan
Thanks Oshyan, will have a look at that and hopefully fix it ...much appreciated.
Title: Re: River Dormant
Post by: choronr on August 19, 2013, 05:01:22 PM
Quote from: Oshyan on August 19, 2013, 04:18:58 PM
Definite improvement! You have an odd ridge in the mid-ground on the left that I think might be easily fixed by increasing "Ridge Smoothing" in your Power Fractal. Other than that, looks good.

- Oshyan
Oshyan, went into the power fractals and do not find 'Ridge Smoothing' ...am I looking in the wrong place?
Title: Re: River Dormant
Post by: Oshyan on August 19, 2013, 05:07:46 PM
Are you using a Power Fractal for that part of the terrain? If so, it's on the Tweak Noise tab.

- Oshyan
Title: Re: River Dormant
Post by: choronr on August 19, 2013, 05:17:57 PM
Quote from: Oshyan on August 19, 2013, 05:07:46 PM
Are you using a Power Fractal for that part of the terrain? If so, it's on the Tweak Noise tab.

- Oshyan
I've checked all of the power fractals; and, they are grayed out. However, one has 'Gully Smoothing' that is active and its setting is a zero. And thanks for pointing out where the Ridge Smoothing is.
Title: Re: River Dormant
Post by: Oshyan on August 19, 2013, 05:19:35 PM
If the option is grayed out then it doesn't apply to the particular noise type you're using.

- Oshyan
Title: Re: River Dormant
Post by: choronr on August 19, 2013, 05:24:42 PM
OK, I'll work on it trying somehow to remedy the issue.
Title: Re: River Dormant
Post by: elipsis1 on August 19, 2013, 11:14:35 PM
Wow, the sense of scale is immense :) great job!
Title: Re: River Dormant
Post by: TheBadger on August 19, 2013, 11:21:24 PM
I really like how the dunes rise up to the rocks.
Title: Re: River Dormant
Post by: Dune on August 20, 2013, 02:46:36 AM
Yeah, me too. Very nice render! One small thing: the stream doesn't really look like a stream, but maybe some water remains after a flood. So I think you can take all waves out, and have less graininess.   
Title: Re: River Dormant
Post by: choronr on August 20, 2013, 11:47:36 AM
Thanks to all of you guys for having your thoughts, ideas and suggestions; this is how we learn.
Title: Re: River Dormant
Post by: inkydigit on August 20, 2013, 01:16:05 PM
On the money again Bob!
I love this latest one!
:)
J
Title: Re: River Dormant
Post by: choronr on August 20, 2013, 01:42:05 PM
Thanks Jason. Trying another right now. As usual, will probably take me awhile.