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Moodflow Workflow Overview Tutorial ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This is a rough generalization of how I make the images. I don't follow this exactly all of the time, but its somewhere along these lines. I just do what works and feels right at the time. Deeper detail will be discussed in additional tutorials.
The image making process usually starts with seeing an inspirational image (and becoming inspired to do something similar), a pre-existing idea I've been thinking about, or just simply doodling in my favorite image making application. I sometimes start out by sketching out the image with pen and paper or in Photoshop, with a Wacom tablet. Sketching things out really helps keep the image in better balance. I will now have a 'template' to help guide me.
The Tools I Use ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Bryce - Bryce is mainly good for foreground work, parts and pieces, and final scene assembly. Using it for an entire image does not usually give the best results in my opinion.
Terragen - Terragen absolutely excels at creating more distant terrain with very realistic volumetric lighting and atmospheric effects, though the clouds could use some work. Terragen is free as of this writing, but has image size limitations. The registered version allows higher resolution images of 1600x1200 or more.
Photoshop - Photoshop is the industry standard though any higher end 2D image application can work. I use Photoshop mainly to post-process and tweak the image to my liking in the end.
Work with the Highest Image Resolution ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ When I start an image, I usually work with the highest resolution possible. Resolutions of at least 1600x1200 are fine, but up to 4000x3000 and higher are preferred. However, massive resolution can mean extremely long render times for Bryce and Terragen (or any other 3d application), even on a super fast machine. So this is within balance and reason. Sometimes it helps to have another machine render the image pieces you've assembled prior, as you work on a new image on your main machine (so you get 2 things done at once). This second machine doesn't have to be top of the line. I use my wife's laptop (when she is not using it of course!).
Work in Parts and Pieces ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ I usually work in parts and pieces which I "assemble" into one large image in the end. Parts and pieces (which I will call 'elements' from here on out) are much easier to work with, and I don't usually end up creating one HUGE file that contains it all (which can cause file corruption and lost work, PC system bog down, and an impractically unmanageable and complex file). This also helps the image come together in "steps", with stopping points if needed, and I can easily change the image if needed. Of course, sometimes, files do become huge out of necessity.
An example of working in steps would be creating the background as its own image, the mid ground as its own image, and the foreground as its own image. Elements within those parts can also be created separately and composed together later.
Aside from "rendering" elements in a 3D app like Bryce or Terragen, elements can be hand-drawn, or even be a photograph I've taken.
The when elements are complete, I usually render them to a 2D or 3D file, depending upon where they will 'sit' in the image. Also, depending upon the image, there may be NO elements, or hundreds of them.
Assemble the Elements into a Final Image ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Once all elements are deemed complete, I then assemble the Final Image. I "usually" assemble from back to front, and assemble the image in Bryce or Photoshop (or both). If I had originally sketched the idea, I try to 'match' it during assembly (and its ok if it strays from the original idea somewhat). Otherwise, I assemble the scene based on what feels and looks best.
Bryce is really good for assembling final scenes, as the parts and pieces can be setup in 3D space, and atmospheric haze and camera angle changes can be made with ease. Once everything is 'set up' in the scene, I'll render this Final Image at as high of resolution as conditions permit.
I also use Photoshop to assemble scenes, but I have to make sure the scene parts and pieces are in 2D image format, and used as layers, which is not as flexible for moving things around. The 3D space arrangement is now 'simulated' in 2D. This is mainly used for effects that I cannot do within Bryce or Terragen.
Tweaking the Final Image in Photoshop ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ I don't think I've ever had an image that hasn't gone through some type of tweaking in Photoshop in the end. I know there are purists out there who try to do it all within one application only, but that just doesn't do it for me. I personally don't believe there is just one application that can do it all for the results I am trying to achieve. I believe multiple applications are required for best results, as each has its benefits and limitations.
Because we are working with digital, all that analog warmth tends to be lost with freshly rendered digital images. The reason is, the images are just TOO perfect and inorganic in most cases. To fix this, I actually UNPERFECT the image using some techniques I've developed over the past few years (as will be seen in a later tutorial). I also like to add a little mood to the image by using some additional techniques (also covered in a later tutorial). This step can literally make an image come to life.
Of course, final processing steps like sharpening, color and contrast manipulation, and image sizing are all done in Photoshop.
Well, that was an overall walk-through of my workflow. Are you inspired yet?
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