Second Try At Site Model

I finally got back to my little project and here is an update. [ATTACH=CONFIG]39991[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]39990[/ATTACH]

Recently, I've been rendering 32bit images and saving them as OpenEXR files. That way, I don't have to worry as much about getting the proper exposure in Max. If the exposure is off, just add an exposure adjustment layer in Photoshop... it's a lot easier to tweak it there than in Max.

Can you guys tell me what you think I should do relative to exposure control (what settings to adjust)? The gamma is set to 2.2 but before I started this project I tried setting it based on my display and had it set to 1.8. I'll try setting it back to 1.8 when I update it.

When doing a site plan specifically to show location and scale, I usually just put the target at the center of my model. This way no matter where you rotate the camera to, it will always be pointed at your scene. When doing vanity shots, the target can actually change the entire scene when you start using depth of field and different camera lenses. This looks really good. Exposure and perhaps gamma as mentioned before, and a little work with materials and your off to a great start.

James, I am using Mental Ray and gamma is set to 2.2. I placed a sky image with clouds in the Haze map of the mental ray physical sky with a spherical environment. Point well taken about the camera target, which brings me to this question: How do you guys determine what should be the focal point of a scene when you are trying to just display the overall project site?

Like Tom said, this is a great start. Are you rendering with mental Ray Bev? You definitely need to look at the photographic exposure control again... try googling the "sunny 16 rule". and make sure you are using a gamma setting of 2.2 applied to the frame buffer and material slots. Also, maybe aim your camera target up a little more so there is less asphalt and more of that nice blue sky.

Tom, I have learned some valuable lessons about booleans AND saving often, especially after turning off auto save when working with large scenes. Lighting: I was trying to simulate a partially overcast sky (hazy looking) which is common in this area.

Just so you know, booleans are typically troublesome and should be used as a last resort only. As for your images, the lighting, more specifiaclly the exposure, is rather flat. As are your roof tiles, which you should consider modeling. Nice start though, keep working on it and keep asking questions.