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June 2026 - Daz 3D New User Challenge - Scenes, Landscapes, and Working Modularly

ann0314ann0314 Posts: 2,894
in New User Contests and Events

New Users Challenge - June 2026

Sponsored by DAZ 3D

Are you new to the 3D World? Are you at the beginning stages of learning 3D rendering? Have you been around for a little bit but feel you could benefit from some feedback or instruction? Have you been around a while and would like to help other members start their creative journey? Well then come and join the fun as we host our newest render challenge!

New this year, we are breaking down each month into 2 different challenges: a Beginner Challenge and an Intermediate Challenge.

So which "Challenge" should you choose?

Follow the Beginner Challenge if you are:

  • New to the New User Challenges

  • New to Daz Studio

  • Newer to 3D Rendering in General

  • Or if you have not participated in the March Posing Challenge

Follow the Intermediate Challenge if you have:

  • Participated in the New User Challenge for awhile

  • Know the basics of Daz Studio and would like to learn more in-depth topics

  • Been using 3D Rendering Applications for a while and feel comfortable with learning Intermediate Topics

  • Or if you have already participated in the March Posing Challenge

*Please be sure to list in your post which Challenge you are participating in*

Closing date for both is June 30, 2026

For a list of the current challenge rules, please see this thread: Challenge Rules

They apply for both versions of the challenge.

Comments

  • ann0314ann0314 Posts: 2,894
    edited June 1

    Beginner Challenge - June 2026

    Sponsored by DAZ 3D

     

    "Scenes and Landscapes"

    This month's focus will be scenes and landscapes. If you haven't noticed when you look at images made by the various 3D software some of the packages do a lot better then others in treating an expansive scene or a magnificent landscape. Ones that come to mind are software such as Bryce or Vue. Both have some built in features that make those wonderfully big expansive images come true. DAZ Studio on the other hand does not have some of these features built into it but if you know the tricks there is no reason why you can't get those same kinds of results. For this contest we will be exploring the principles of how such scenes and landscapes are built and how to control the environment to create the sense of expansiveness a scene or landscape creates for the viewer.

    There are some key elements that should be considered when creating a landscape, they are the inspiration, lighting, perspective and depth of focus. I have gathered some links for you that talk about each of these elements.

     

    Inspiration:

    Photos and Art:

    Landscape Photography

    Landscape 3D Art

    Landscape Paintings

    Surreal Landscapes

    Perspective and Depth of Focus:

    What a Photographer Considers
     

    Things to consider when setting up your landscape:

    As stated by Jon A. Bell in his book, 3ds max 6 Killer Tips, "For more realistic outdoor scenes, especially if you're seeing a distant horizon, you should always add a slight amount of atmospheric haze.... If you look at a distant mountain range (or if you don't have one right outside your window, just grab a travel magazine or pretend), you'll notice how colors become muted and washed out with distance. You can use just a slight amount of atmospheric fog (it depends on the scale of your scene), and the colors will determine the clarity or quality of your "atmosphere." For clear outdoor settings, using a slight bit of white fog is desirable; for sunset or urban settings (where the air might be more polluted), a slight yellowish or reddish cast makes your horizons look better." In DAZ Studio you have a couple of options in getting that affect. The first would be to add just a tiny bit of Depth of Field so that the objects become a bit more blurred and muted. Another way is to have a volumetric camera that will add the fog feature to the render.

     

    Lighting:

    Approaching Realism in DAZ Studio and Gamma Correction Demystified

    http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/54913/

    Using HDR Files In DAZ Studio 3delight renders 
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=okaYS1jeAew

    http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/37753/

    and for Iray

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L5FZ5gS9v50

    https://thinkdrawart.com/how-i-light-my-daz-studio-iray-scenes

     

    Handy tools for DAZ Studio ( note: these can help but are not in any way necessary):

    https://www.daz3d.com/terradome-3-iray

    https://www.daz3d.com/ultrascatter-advanced-instancing-for-daz-studio

    https://www.daz3d.com/modular-cove-landscape-creator

    https://www.daz3d.com/digital-kit-bashing--cities-landscapes-and-structures

    https://www.daz3d.com/ultrascenery--realistic-landscape-system

    https://www.daz3d.com/ultrasceneryxt--expansive-landscape-system 

    https://www.daz3d.com/ultrascenery2-realistic-landscape-system  

     

    Bryce 7.1

    Bryce Landscaping

    Bryce Basics

     

    I will be checking in as will the rest of the Community Volunteers to try and help with anything you all may need.

    Post edited by ann0314 on
  • ann0314ann0314 Posts: 2,894
    edited May 31

    Intermediate Challenge - June 2026

    Working Modularly

    This includes kitbashing: combining elements of various products in unexpected, creative ways; and picturing items in settings other than what they were designed for. We’re looking for renders that go beyond simply using elements of a modular props or environment product (although these can certainly be incorporated into your work, and may make a good starting point). Ideally, your render should take a novel, unique, or inventive approach to using props and sets.

    You don’t have to have expensive modeling software to create a unique 3D environment. Why not put a new spin on a few old products and tools?

     

    Kitbashing Tips and Tutorials

    Working modularly can be very rewarding, as it can greatly expand the possibilities of what you can do with the assets in your 3D library. I can't wait to see what you come up with!

    Post edited by ann0314 on
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