My First Attempt

[MGebhart]

Hi everyone.

First I would like to thank Klas, Jo, Calico and Kadri for helping me to get my Xfrog plants to work in Terragen 2 Deep Edition.

Today I was able to spend time learning Terragen 2 in greater detail. I thought I would share my first impressions.

My experience is rather extensive in 3D digital imaging and animation. I have used 3D Studio from Release 2 running under DOS to MAX 2010. Also, XSI, Maya and Zbrush. Most of my work is Architectural based however, I have been learning organic modeling for the past year.

I have played around with Bryce 6.0 and Vue 7.x. Bryce is less than deluxe and Vue is rather expensive but, does a great job on world creation.

Terragen 2 is pretty cool. A few things I found annoying is the lack of quality documentation and tutorials that are available. If you have sources I'm not aware of please, share.

The learning curve is steep but. understandable when you take into consideration the complex node based driven UI. The many levels and layers used to create terrains, atmosphere and vegetation is fantastic. I'm sure newbies are over whelmed as I was. I found the many settings available for preview and final renderings to be terrific. You have a ton of control and can save a ton of time. Much quicker than Vue. The interface is well thoughtout and makes work flow a pleasure. Overall navigation is excellent.

With the lack of quality documentation  I found myself doing a ton of experimenting with most functions and settings. To be honest, I really didn't mind. I'm comfortable with this approach.

To sum up my view to this point I say, "Good Job Planetside".

This image is my first attempt at a completed project.  

I know I have a long way to go but, it should be a blast.  

[Kadri]

Nice start, MGebhart.

My post count can be misleading , i am new like you in TG2 and the UI is giving me trouble too. Your backround says me we will see many good renders from you

Cheers.

Kadri.

[Henry Blewer]

This is a good start. I see you are able to merge your workflow into Terragen 2 quite well. I think that a month from now your images will be quite excellent.

[schmeerlap]

Excellent start. This first upload shows you have a good realistic sense of tree deployment. I know you'll do well, and go far with TG2.

John

[MGebhart]

Thank you all for your kind words.

This is a fun and addicting program. I know this to be true because my wife is yelling at me. Ha! "Get back in the kitchen and make me a sandwich". Just kidding. I would die from a blow to the head by a ball bat if I spoke to her like that. She would make Ryan Howard look like a little leaguer.

Thanks again.

Marc

[rcallicotte]

This is very good.  Maybe you could consider increasing your atmosphere samples to between 32 and 64 to see how much better your light would be.  The clouds might look better then, too, though the clouds might use some increase in samples to boost the quality.

What base quality setting was this?

Documentation - Check out the File Section for some samples, after reading the base beginner's guide (here on this site) and walking through Oshyan's beginner's tutorial. There's also a Wiki, though it needs more additions from people here.  Asking questions here usually finds a useful answer.  Good community.