Novica & Serene Night's Renders, Tips, Tutorials & Product Reviews Part 1

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Comments

  • NovicaNovica Posts: 23,859
    edited December 1969

    Holy smoley what a sale!!! I got the underseas bundle, you know I've been waiting on something like that :) It's a shame they have so many nice things out today, will be hard to narrow it down on anything else as the costs can really escalate fast. At least it's payday for some folks.

    One thing I wanted to point out, don't know how I missed this one all these times:
    http://www.daz3d.com/mantiraptor

    and this: http://www.daz3d.com/mantiraptor-expansion-pack

    Be sure and look at the thumbnails, love those front legs. Like a mini T rex only a bit longer appendages. He/she is a cut lil darling, eh? I'll have to render that one soon.

  • NovicaNovica Posts: 23,859
    edited December 1969

    http://www.daz3d.com/quilts-and-calicos

    Um, didn't really read the product page on this one either. You can use all these with the FABRICATOR and quilt anything! (And I assume by turning down bump and displacement, smooth them out, but I am not sure. I just got it and wont be home to test it out.) So not just blankets!

  • Serene NightSerene Night Posts: 17,553
    edited December 1969

    Yes, the undersea bundle is lovely. I had to wishlist it, because so many nice things have been released at once, I'm afraid I can't afford it all. Did get the reef rocks which I can use in sci fi renders.

    I have been curious about the manitraptor, and the quilt shaders look great.

    Once small item, if folks are looking for a tiny item to add to the cart to bring it up to 50% is

    Stag Beetle

    http://www.daz3d.com/stag-beetle

  • NovicaNovica Posts: 23,859
    edited December 1969

    The Stag Beetle is over $3, just barely- GREAT call! People can use that again tomorrow if I'm not mistaken- the stores are staying on for a day or more. (No guarantees, but....)

    I dont think I've even SEEN any products from these folks for under $3.00 as the free ones wouldn't even register in the cart (I would think.) But there is that one tutorial (Shader Mixer, I think it was) that was 0.00 (Use the YouTube video by Carnite http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HoGKFLJ6Vgs for Shader Mixer.)

  • Serene NightSerene Night Posts: 17,553
    edited December 1969

    Man, I just went back and bought some more! I had to get the Invertibrates and plants and Kid & Dog poses...

    Plus FM Solar System... I've had that on my wishlist for sometime and is great for space renders~

  • NovicaNovica Posts: 23,859
    edited December 1969

    http://www.daz3d.com/palenque-ruins would make a good set for the mantiraptor http://www.daz3d.com/mantiraptor - seems like it fits with Jurassic time period. It's $1.99 for PClub members. (Seriously, for those people who aren't members, this is the time to join. Serene Night and I will be featuring items from PC (Platinum Club) fairly frequently. Think kit-bashing too- taking pieces of an item and using it with something else. Remember when I used the necklace collar from http://www.daz3d.com/pharaohs-of-the-sun-for-genesis-female with the Earlane outfit? It goes nicely over quite a few of the flat laying shirts.

    Okay SereneNight, what kid and dog poses? That one zipped past me too. I'm starting to get a complex. Well, a bigger one.

  • Serene NightSerene Night Posts: 17,553
    edited September 2013

    Hahaha no worries there are so many awesome things being sold in the store and this is an older muscleman sets I've had on my wishlist. While I don't have kid 4, but think this set should work with growing up for genesis 2 females. I have a robot dog I want to see if the poses work with. It is right here.... http://www.daz3d.com/kid-and-dog

    There are a number of nice muscleman sets on sale today.

    Post edited by Serene Night on
  • NovicaNovica Posts: 23,859
    edited December 1969

    http://www.daz3d.com/girl6-diva-poses
    Don't know why it is 76% off, but it is!
    Get it for $2.39 folks :)

    http://www.daz3d.com/the-fighter at 66% off $3.41 etc. Everyone check out the Muscleman stuff, higher discounts NOW.
    http://www.daz3d.com/gia-fantasy-poses

    A lot of them are 66%

  • Serene NightSerene Night Posts: 17,553
    edited December 1969

    I can only hazard a guess that some vendors the sale is stacking. I am curious if non-pc members still see those discounts.

  • NovicaNovica Posts: 23,859
    edited December 1969

    From Surreality- Some that I have that I think you'll like/ am adding to my collection:
    Tamesis is the one that both Scott-L and I really like. Scott-L posted his example in the thread, way back when. There is the bundle, or single character. http://www.daz3d.com/tamesis-bundle

    I also use Paloma alot- love that nose. When you mix that with other morphs, it's golden. It gives you a bit more septum opportunities and the nostrils flare really nicely too.
    http://www.daz3d.com/modern-muses-paloma-v5-v4 For both Genesis and V4.

    Along the lines of Paloma, there's also this one I'm going to add to my morph pool. (Note the requirements.)
    http://www.daz3d.com/modern-muses-jaide

    If you're picky about eyebrows,these on sale today have good detail with the individual hairs. I wishlisted.
    http://www.daz3d.com/modern-muses-amalie (V4)
    http://www.daz3d.com/modern-muses-echo (V4)

    http://www.daz3d.com/modern-muses-summer is about as thin as I'll get on eyebrows. The details are there. I can always use long bangs. I have this one as it was deeply discounted, but haven't used her yet. (I have a lot of items so that is not a reflection on her.) She is for both Genesis and V4.

    Now I've had my eye on this one before- and I think this (Tanwen) is going to be another one like Ariadne- a surprise once you start working with her. I am getting this one today. That nose, with the elongated nostrils, really adds a lot to the morph pool. It's hard to get the nostrils to flare back with the septum like that- so I'm getting this one. She has a different look that I think will bring a lot "to the table." Read what's in the bundle that you do not get with purchase of either set by itself! (Go down to "What's Included" on the product page) And the Otherworldly looks like a completely different character with the nose. Take time and scrutinize these two- I think you'd get the most for your money. Look at the main promo images for Tanwen bundle, Otherworldly Tanwen, and the warrior one. You'd never guess they were the same figure.
    http://www.daz3d.com/tanwen-bundle

    Anyone have any renders of any of these, or others from today's sale, feel free to post.

  • NovicaNovica Posts: 23,859
    edited September 2013

    Someone PM'd about L'atelier- if I would recommend it. That's the set I'm "making completely over." http://www.daz3d.com/l-atelier

    The pictures on the wall are one piece, to replace them you have to either make a new surface or bring in a plane on top of the photos. I didn't like that at all. The walls are attached so you can't hide one at a time, yes, you can change your camera angle to wide, but why should you have to do that? The wallpaper can be replaced with Fabricator or another surface, you can bring in another floor, etc- so those types of things are changeable. I think you should look at the props and see if that's what you want- the tubes of paint are very cartoonish (large print, no emblems on the labels, etc.) so I didn't use any of those. You do get a cabinet with an unusual door (face), a nice ottoman with pillows, and a shabby (meant to be) long cabinet (in front of the window, not attached.) At half price, it's a maybe. Replacing the walls will make it really different.

    For a reminder, I've attached what I've shown you so far. If you know what you want to do, and since you can see what I did, that would make it faster for you. The other wall, I am taking out the door and putting in something totally different, which is cool. One nice thing about this set is the large windows, easy to "tile" and they look good. So, in summary, if you want to put some work into a set, try a total changeover, this one is fun. (I wouldn't be doing it otherwise.) If you want an eclectic, shabby room with flaking paint, this has a lot of it! At half price, yeah, you can do things with it, but it does take time. (That's why I said it's a maybe.) Really cool when you're done with it. Compare the inprogress below, as the makeover of the windows is a big factor in changing the room.

    Gone for the day, hope this helps. :)
    Cathie

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  • JaderailJaderail Posts: 0
    edited December 1969

    Lots of posts to go ladies. When the thread post count hits 1500 the thread is full. Not before then, so watch the post count as you go.

  • Scott LivingstonScott Livingston Posts: 4,331
    edited September 2013

    A couple renders of surreality's Amalie. In the group shot, the one in the middle is V4 with the Amalie character applied; the others are all Genesis with the Amalie skin and various mixed morphs. The last image is postworked, the other are raw DS renders. Surreality characters don't always include DS mats (check the product information) but for those that do, the DS mats are quite good, at least in the characters I've used.

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    Post edited by Scott Livingston on
  • NovicaNovica Posts: 23,859
    edited December 1969

    Gone all day, just got home. I really like those Scott-L! In particular, the last render with the glow on the face and chest, but the light is sculpted through her midriff, just like she is- really shows her physique quite efficiently. Also like that the lighting goes down one leg more than the other, very nice touch. The third photo is my favorite.

  • Serene NightSerene Night Posts: 17,553
    edited September 2013

    Some things to check out that are cool, and on sale today:

    1. Beautiful Black HairStyles Neftis- Nice item. Versatile. http://www.daz3d.com/beautiful-black-hairstyles

    2. Maraboo Hair - This is one I think looks quite interesting. Just picked it up today. http://www.daz3d.com/maraboo-hair

    3. Moonscapes- Has great rocks, suitable for props in your landscape, and it is a steal for PC club members. http://www.daz3d.com/moonscapes

    Moonscapes has sky, rock, ground, and some interesting lights and extra rocks.

    Post edited by Serene Night on
  • NovicaNovica Posts: 23,859
    edited December 1969

    Yep, got the moon stuff a couple hours ago when they came up. Is Sarge going to toss the boulders? LOL.
    One thing to note- if anyone is paying with Paypal, you may get the "Unable to Initialize, token already been used." It did that to me on all three orders. (I forgot to check the PC club, then ordered more one more time after that. Itty bitty one item order.) Anyway, go ahead and click "order" or whatever it says- it probably will go through. All of mine did. Don't order twice- check your orders first.

    And on another thread, some folks are being removed from the PClub so check your emails and spam folder- there's a thread in The Commons. If you had an outdated credit card or changed your subscription, you may have been booted and not know it.

    I'm testing the lighting from part of the City Road scene and will let you see it if it's halfway decent. :) Rendering now.

  • Serene NightSerene Night Posts: 17,553
    edited December 1969

    Hah! Sarge tossing boulders? I do think I have a pose for that. May have to see how it looks.

    I think next up is going to be the pillbug. I've only rendered that one in the riyuu review, and it is a neat and cool sort of item by Antfarm.

    Sadly, my 'render' budget is rapidly dwindling with the sales. I've blown a ton of money on cool Items, and with all the new releases, I'll probably resort to expanding my wishlisht.

    Today it is SPEX, which I didn't have, and Everdyay Food , and Everyday Snacks, the first by Slosh, the othes by Macclean.

  • bighbigh Posts: 8,147
    edited December 1969

    last post :vampire:
    time is up !!!!!!!!!

  • ChoholeChohole Posts: 33,604
    edited December 1969

    Someone can't count. or did you mean this sort of last post http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e4NtSqZcT_4 in which case you are well ahead of yourself :coolsmirk:

  • Serene NightSerene Night Posts: 17,553
    edited September 2013

    Here's a fun thing I discovered.

    If you have Hilly Surround: http://www.daz3d.com/hilly-surround it makes nice ocean or river plane for your watery renders.

    Just use shaders that have WATER elements like: http://www.daz3d.com/daz-studio-environment-shaders-2

    And increase the Vertical And Horizontal tiling. I chose-25. Looks pretty good!

    To yaw the camera and create increased drama, create a new camera, and click control, right mouse button, camera orbit

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  • NovicaNovica Posts: 23,859
    edited September 2013

    http://www.daz3d.com/raiya

    ARIADNE IS ON SALE!!!!! Remember- she morphs beautifully!

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  • Scott LivingstonScott Livingston Posts: 4,331
    edited December 1969

    Here's a fun thing I discovered.

    If you have Hilly Surround: http://www.daz3d.com/hilly-surround it makes nice ocean or river plane for your watery renders.

    Just use shaders that have WATER elements like: http://www.daz3d.com/daz-studio-environment-shaders-2

    And increase the Vertical And Horizontal tiling. I chose-25. Looks pretty good!

    To yaw the camera and create increased drama, create a new camera, and click control, right mouse button, camera orbit


    Very cool, SereneNight! Great tips, and fantastic illustration of them. :-)
  • NovicaNovica Posts: 23,859
    edited December 1969

    That Hilly Surround makes me feel like I am right there, going into the water!!! I saw on the other thread where you recommended that for someone doing an explosion- something to keep in mind. Giving the disoriented feeling during a blast was very effective when they applied that unlevel camera effect. Excellent job!

    This is from my wishlist, you really should read what comes with that. I love the lava look. It's very large, the vendor will show you a comparison to another set- http://www.daz3d.com/hostile-planet

    http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/19756/P1290/#412607
    is the post that has links to some of my my product reviews- I am NOT done. Some of the Pure Hairs are on there.

    http://www.daz3d.com/corner-of-the-garden was also reviewed- http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/19756/P420/#349855

  • Serene NightSerene Night Posts: 17,553
    edited September 2013

    Oh man! I splurged. Not too many of these left for me!

    Morphing Genesis with DAZ Studio and Hexagon

    http://www.daz3d.com/morphing-genesis-with-daz-studio-and-hexagon
    I've had it on my wishlist. Going to try using this on my tentacle guy. If I can make sheaths, I don't have to use models and I may free up precious memory. It'll probably take me a while to try it

    Both gen 4 pose sets, but I like the emotion

    http://www.daz3d.com/joie-de-vivre-poses
    http://www.daz3d.com/sheer-terror

    Horrror Survivor Chris outfit
    http://www.daz3d.com/horror-survivors-cris-for-v6

    I really want more from this vendor, but all are expensive, so I have to pick & choose.

    Oh, also got Rock Star Hair, Daphne and Ariadne. But I have to scoot!

    Post edited by Serene Night on
  • NovicaNovica Posts: 23,859
    edited December 1969

    Woot! My thread-partner-in-crime now has Ariadne!!!!! So happy for you.Whenever you get a chance to render her (with or without morphs) I bet you'll do a great render. And those are good choices. I like using the poses to get a jump start; on my own renders that's what I use them for, but for product reviews they come in handy to show off the clothing fast.

    I do want to mention there are several of my favorites on sale- Ariadne is my number one fav.

    However, first- we discussed Vianne- pretty dark shadows under the eyes. Here it was on the thread. I stared a Commons thread and other people had the same results. I know it may work for some people as you may need this type of figure but for you other folks, be aware of those shadows. Take a peek at my review.
    http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/19756/P480/#358134

    I use Sean a lot, particularly for the square jaw and nose. Works on all Genesis figures.
    http://www.daz3d.com/sean-for-david-5

    Keirais another one I use to adjust the eyes and noses.
    http://www.daz3d.com/keira-for-stephanie-5

    http://www.daz3d.com/fashion-hair is what my character Chiara uses.
    Happy shopping :)

  • Serene NightSerene Night Posts: 17,553
    edited December 1969

    Heads up! Flash sale on gift cards. http://www.daz3d.com/new-releases

    Yeah, I like poses. Especially action-y ones. I I use them a lot. They save me time, and if it works- in the scene without adjustment, I'm good. I don't mess with a good thing...

    But often small stuff will need to be fixed, like expression, gaze, hands etc, and gen 4 on genesis requires the usual hand and foot tweaks.

    Looking forward to playing with Ariadne. =-)

  • NovicaNovica Posts: 23,859
    edited December 1969

    And I just posted in The Commons- if you enter the gift card code, it may come up INVALID GIFT CODE in red at the top. Continue to next page anyway- when you go to choose your payment method, it will be an option (say if you got $200- it will say store credit $200.) So don't assume it's not there.

  • Serene NightSerene Night Posts: 17,553
    edited September 2013

    Here's another cool thing you can do in Photoshop. I am by no means a Photoshop expert, but these are fast easy things you can do with your renders.

    Suggestions:

    You can create a natural depth of field without using the camera effect in daz by blurring your backdrop (Such as this Morguefile image) in Photoshop post render. This can cut down on render time, and allows you to achieve a similar effect, but using a picture instead of model in the background. This is great for slower machines. Don't forget if you are tilting your camera, to also tilt the background image in Photoshop, otherwise the picture will strange with the background image horizontal and your camera tilted.

    Second effect, you can do is also an easy one. In Photoshop make 2 layers. The bottom layer is your pristine render. The second layer a copy of the first. Use the blur filter to blur the second (top layer) then erase key parts of the face of your character, and elements of your image you want to be clear When the image is flattened you can create the illusion of motion in elements like hair which will remain blurred while the key points remain in focus. This works better on darker renders.

    If you use bubble brushes- make sure to blur some of them. They can look rather harsh when used ala-carte. You can use the blur brush to make 'em look less edgy. I also recommend using pale blue bubbles To make them look slightly less harsh than white.

    Here you can see I used all these techniques in this picture.

    The pose is from Defender's of the deep. http://www.daz3d.com/defenders-of-the-deep-for-genesis-2-female-sI tweaked the pose slightly- raising the man's legs, and tilting the woman's head, eyes, and puffing out her cheeks/puckering her mouth (she is holding her breath)
    Backdrop is from Morguefile, cropped, blurred, tilted. Lights are from Underwater Ambiance. http://www.daz3d.com/underwater-ambiance-for-daz-studio

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  • Serene NightSerene Night Posts: 17,553
    edited December 1969

    Here's a fun thing I discovered.

    If you have Hilly Surround: http://www.daz3d.com/hilly-surround it makes nice ocean or river plane for your watery renders.

    Just use shaders that have WATER elements like: http://www.daz3d.com/daz-studio-environment-shaders-2

    And increase the Vertical And Horizontal tiling. I chose-25. Looks pretty good!

    To yaw the camera and create increased drama, create a new camera, and click control, right mouse button, camera orbit


    Very cool, SereneNight! Great tips, and fantastic illustration of them. :-)

    Thanks Scott. I'm glad it was helpful. =-)

  • JaderailJaderail Posts: 0
    edited September 2013

    This thread is Now Closed. Please see the new thread HERE

    Post edited by Jaderail on
This discussion has been closed.