How do I improve on my first render

alectprasad

I used plastic and metal shaders for everything 

jestmart

Which render engine, Iray or 3Delight?

alectprasad

jestmart said:

Which render engine, Iray or 3Delight?

Iray

JonnyRay

I think the question would be what kind of improvements you'd like to achieve. The render as it is looks pretty good. But it's mostly just a character standing in the void. :) To add interest you'd probably want to have him standing somewhere; so adding the setting around him like buildings etc. would be a good step.

Novica

Congrats on your first render!!!!!! 

I'd say the most fun thing is to experiment with rim lighting- put some lights behind and above him, and one on the side. You are off to a wonderful start!   

Peter Wade

Well done, that is very good for a first render.

The way to improve it depends on what you are trying to acheive. I agree with the suggestions from JonnyRay and Novica, they are good ways to proceed.

I usually think about the story behind the image when I'm planning a scene. What is he doing? Give him some surroundings, some objects to use, maybe other figures to interact with. How does he feel about it? Experiment with his expression to show the mood he is in.

Lighting can change the mood of a scene, you can make it plain, dramatic, sinister, all sorts of things.

This is art, there are no rules on how to do it, just guidelines on what works well.

Illidanstorm

I'd try a diffrent lighting method. While your image is bright, it looks too plain because there aren't any shadows giving no sense of depth.

Read about the 3-Point lighting https://www.deviantart.com/sickleyield/journal/Tutorial-Three-Point-Lighting-In-Iray-598282717

For portrais I like to use these lights 

https://www.deviantart.com/second-circle/art/Daz-Lighting-Presets-557007530
https://www.deviantart.com/second-circle/art/Freebie-Daz-iRay-Studio-Lights-V2-615920853
https://www.deviantart.com/second-circle/art/SC-Free-HDRi-Lights-for-Daz-Studio-646475146