Building a Realistic Aerial Forest Scene in 3ds Max
In this 3ds Max tutorial, we'll learn how to assemble and generate a realistic aerial forest scene from scratch. Software required: 3ds Max 2015 SP3+, Vray SP2, Adani Tools maxscript 0.95+, NUKE 8, Forest Pack Pro 4.3.7+.
What you'll learn
In this 3ds Max tutorial, we'll learn how to assemble and generate a realistic aerial forest scene from scratch. We'll look at understanding some complex shader setups before exploring how to logically vary plant distribution. By the end of this 3ds Max training, you'll have a good understanding of how to keep a good balance of the artistic with the technical side while working with image-based lighting and post-processing passes in NUKE. Software required: 3ds Max 2015 SP3+, Vray SP2, Adani Tools maxscript 0.95+, NUKE 8, Forest Pack Pro 4.3.7+.
Table of contents
- Organizing Files for the Project 2m
- Exploring Concept Art Options 1m
- Setting up 3ds Max 4m
- Understanding Xfrog Plants and Shaders 7m
- Installing Custom 3ds Max Maxscripts 5m
- Overview of Scripts for Xfrog Plants with V-Ray 6m
- Understanding Relative Linking 3ds Max Files 6m
- Exploring the Itoo Forest Pack 8m
- Continue Exploring Forest Pack Features 6m
- Building the Aerial Forest Scene 10m
- Advancing with the Aerial Forest Scene 6m
- Applying Second Forest Instance 7m
- Adding a Third Forest Instance 9m
- Understanding How to Logically Distribute the Forest 4m
- Overview of the Final Forest Setup 3m
- Lighting the 3D Forest Scene 9m
- Finalizing the Plant Shader 2m
- Compositing the Aerial Forest Scene 7m
- Exercising the ZSlice Tool 3m
- Simulating Wind Movement to Plants 8m
- Creating Reflection and Specularity of CG Plants 5m
- Producing Fog and Mist 3m
- Adding Atmosphere to the Scene 7m
- Implementing Lighting Animation in Comp 4m
- Exploring Alternate Lighting Animation and Camera Movements 3m
- Reviewing Final Renders and Alternate Concept Stills 2m
About the author
Ashish S. Dani has a Bachelor of Computer Science from the University of Pune, a media certificate from the Maya Academy of Advanced Cinematics (affiliated with Cambridge University), and a diploma in Game Art & Design from the Vancouver Institute of Media Arts (VanArts). His skill set includes screenwriting, concept design, matte painting, 3D modeling, texturing, and lighting. He began his career with architectural visualizations, moving towards graphic media and his love of "imaginative realit... more