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1. Try to start a new scene with a clear idea of the type of image you wish to create. This can take the form of a pencil drawing, photograph, written notes or anything that can be used as a reference in the long term. Do not worry if you feel that your sketching skills are not good enough, the whole idea of this type of planning is to jog your memory if you start to loose direction midway through the image creation. This type of planning can save you hours of "mistake rectifying" later on.
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2. This next tip is also mentioned within the Vue 4 Manual, and rightly so, it is one of the most important image composition tips you can learn. Never forget The Rule of Thirds...following this rule will lead to a compositionally stronger image. Divide your image up into imaginary thirds, and use the lines and the points that they cross over, to position your objects and characters. One area in which you may see a drastic improvement in an image, is if you have a flat horizon and position it on the top or bottom third line. |
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The Rule of Thirds
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3. For greater control within your Vue scene, consider turning off all ambient light settings within the atmosphere and materials settings. Even though Vue 4's default setting of 40% does result in great looking images, once familiar with the options you will realise that the use of fill lights to regulate the lighting and shadows will result in greater control of your image's final output, and an image with greater depth and richness. |
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Material Editor's Effect Tab
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4. Experiment with different aspect ratios for your image, before you get too far. Vue d'Esprit comes with a wealth of aspect ratio choices within the Render Options. Choosing something a little different from the usual 4:3 can make a very dramatic difference to the finished render.
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5. Do not get trapped into thinking that the more complex and busy a picture is, the better it will be. A picture with 1 or 2 objects of interest and strong composition, will always be better than a cluttered image with weak composition.
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6. Don't forget the power of the Material Summary, accessed via the Top Toolbar or from pressing F6 on your keyboard. This often forgotten but powerful feature is vital if you are using objects with multiple material groups, such as Poser models. All the materials within your scene can be reached from here and edited at any level. |
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The Material Summery
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7. If the Material Editor seems daunting at first, there is no need to worry. Luckily the materials included with Vue d'Esprit, give you plenty opportunity to explore and investigate how the different options work. While experimenting with the default materials, not only will you soon have a custom library of materials of your own, but also a thorough understanding on how the Material Editor works. |
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The Material Editor
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8. Once you have finished your scene and test rendered it, sit back and review it for a while. If something does not look right; be it the lighting, materials, composition etc, then rectify it. We have all had times when we couldn't put our finger on what is exactly wrong with an image, and out of frustration rendered the final image and try to forgot about it. There is nothing wrong with that, as long as you remember that the image will never be complete until you are 100% happy with it.
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9. Always remember to save the depth and alpha channels with your final render. Even though you may think that you will never need them, it is reassuring to know that if you do want to add some post processed effects at a later stage, then you have the tools to easily do it.
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10. The Vue community is a great resource for expert and friendly advice by the bucket load...if you have any problems these are the guys to ask. As with any community the combined years of experience is greater than any one person. Not only will the community help you with any problems, but they are sure to inspire you as well.
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