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Novica & Invited Guest Contributors Tips & Product Reviews Pt 4

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  • NovicaNovica Posts: 23,895
    edited December 1969

    Tarina K- a few questions.
    Why tifs and not pngs? Is there a difference?
    How does the shadow catcher work- does it do it automatically? I haven't used that set yet.
    I haven't used alpha channel yet- I've barely started using Photoshop. :) I think someone did a thread somewhere on that. I'll have to check my reference section to see if I have anything on it.

  • Tarina KiviTarina Kivi Posts: 488
    edited June 2014

    Novica said:
    Tarina K- a few questions.
    Why tifs and not pngs? Is there a difference?
    How does the shadow catcher work- does it do it automatically? I haven't used that set yet.
    I haven't used alpha channel yet- I've barely started using Photoshop. :) I think someone did a thread somewhere on that. I'll have to check my reference section to see if I have anything on it.

    I use tiff's to get a clean mask (no edge around the figures rendered on transparent background). It is explained here by millighost: http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/26200/#388726 Make sure to check it out. : )
    Using alpha channel in PS is very simple. You go to the channels and CTRL+CLICK on the alpha channel to make a selection from it. From that you can make a mask by clicking the Add Layer Mask button. It will create a mask for your current layer. Hope that helps - I'm not too good at explaining stuff. I also know just a little of Photoshop and if I have a problem I just google it. ; )

    Edit: The shadow catcher works automatically, but you can change some of its settings in the Surface Tab (for example increase the number of samples to get less grainy shadows). You just load one of the Yosemite presets and, if you want to use only the shadow catcher, delete everything except for the DT-GroundPlane - it's the shadow catcher. You then position your characters on that plane and render. Only shadows that were cast on it will be visible, the plane itself won't be.

    Post edited by Tarina Kivi on
  • TJohnTJohn Posts: 11,149
    edited December 1969

    Invited Guest Contributor

    "Home From The Wars"

    Something I've been working on for a while. I don't do a lot of Romantic renders, mostly because I stink at it. :lol:
    Products used:
    Gianni 6
    http://www.daz3d.com/gianni-6
    Olympia 6
    http://www.daz3d.com/olympia-for-genesis-2-female
    Affection Poses
    http://www.daz3d.com/affection-poses
    Mec4D The Spartan for Genesis 2 Male(s)
    http://www.daz3d.com/mec4d-the-spartan-for-genesis-2-male-s
    Callidora Outfit
    http://www.daz3d.com/callidora-outfit
    Callidora Outfit Textures
    http://www.daz3d.com/callidora-outfit-textures
    Sultry Hair for Genesis and Genesis 2 Females
    http://www.daz3d.com/sultry-hair-for-genesis-and-genesis-2-females

    Also used:
    The Greek Bath
    http://www.daz3d.com/the-greek-bath

    John

    Home_From_The_Wars.jpg
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  • TJohnTJohn Posts: 11,149
    edited December 1969

    @Tarina Kivi:
    Your showcase renders are amazing. (insert jealous smiley here) :)

  • Tarina KiviTarina Kivi Posts: 488
    edited December 1969

    tjohn said:
    @Tarina Kivi:
    Your showcase renders are amazing. (insert jealous smiley here) :)

    Thank you tjohn! It's probably deviney's brushes, they make everything look good. ; P

    I like your couple render, a bit of DOF would make it perfect. : )

  • NovicaNovica Posts: 23,895
    edited December 1969

    Thanks for the information, I'll try it one day soon. :)

    tjohn- that doesn't stink, aren't you kidding? They're so cute together! I do agree DOF would help distance her outstretched hand that goes over his shoulder away from the pillar in the background. But it's really, really good! I love the tiny detail of her foot being nestled right inside his, 'cause that would really hurt if a guy that size stepped on those dainty toes!

  • TJohnTJohn Posts: 11,149
    edited December 1969

    Thanks for the advice! I originally had more DOF (too much - grainy) then adjusted it too low. I don't like the bronze urn in the background because it messes up her profile and makes her look like she's got a bulge on the back of her neck so I'm hiding it in a redo. He isn't stepping on her toes, that's just the angle. I tried changing the camera angle, but the pose looked best to me like this.
    This was actually a quick render, so making those changes won't be a problem.
    John

  • Serene NightSerene Night Posts: 17,654
    edited December 1969

    Nice one tJohn. I like it. Doesn't need depth of field in my opinion. Sometimes it gets a bit overdone especially promo art. I don't need everything blurred beyond recognition. =-)

  • NovicaNovica Posts: 23,895
    edited December 1969

    Aiko 6 is here. (It's 1:38am Central Time) Should be fun looking through all the products.

  • TJohnTJohn Posts: 11,149
    edited December 1969

    Novica said:
    Aiko 6 is here. (It's 1:38am Central Time) Should be fun looking through all the products.

    And the Pro Bundle was only $30 and change after the Punch discount, so I bought it. And the Battle Girl. :red:
  • IndigoJansonIndigoJanson Posts: 1,100
    edited December 1969

    tjohn, I think that's a completely non-stinky render that charmed me the moment I saw it! I like it very much, they look great together. Do more romantic stuff, I say. :)

    I'm very impressed with the renders I've seen here these last few days. You're all a class act.

  • TJohnTJohn Posts: 11,149
    edited December 1969

    Thanks for all the advice, compliments and encouragement, they all mean a lot to me!
    And now I'm just so jazzed about how this render turned out, I'm going to just post it without explanation other than to say this is my first go with FW Lin for A6.

    LIn.jpg
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  • NovicaNovica Posts: 23,895
    edited December 1969

    She looks good! The background is quite interesting too, love the squares with grunge.

  • Tarina KiviTarina Kivi Posts: 488
    edited December 1969

    @tjohn: Really nice render. She looks good and I also like the outfit. The background is prefect for her. : )

  • TJohnTJohn Posts: 11,149
    edited December 1969

    Thank you. That's from one of Deviney's earliest background image sets:
    Ron's Backgrounds
    http://www.daz3d.com/rons-backgrounds
    I would love be able to use some of his Brush sets but the Photoshop I have can't handle the large brushes.
    His latest Background Images set is on my w/l waiting for a Store sale. :lol:
    The dress is the Katumi Dress
    http://www.daz3d.com/katumi-dress

    I'm waiting for the new Cheongsam dress for A6. Should be out later in the week.
    The hair is Spring Hair
    http://www.daz3d.com/spring-hair
    Advanced Lighting Preset by Dimension Theory.

  • NovicaNovica Posts: 23,895
    edited December 1969

    The forums are huge and some of you may have missed this post. Wancow does a lot to help people, and just found out about having pancreatic cancer. If you'd like to post a bit of support, I'm sure that would be appreciated. :)

    http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/42616/

  • NovicaNovica Posts: 23,895
    edited December 1969

    Ginger ( DAZ 3D / Countess / Silver)
    Rose Thorn for Genesis 2 Female(s) (DAZ3D / 4blueyes)
    Spring Hair (DAZ3D)

    http://www.daz3d.com/ginger
    http://www.daz3d.com/spring-hair
    http://www.daz3d.com/rose-thorn-for-genesis-2-female-s

    So surprised about the fact that Rose Thorn does not have panties to go with the outfit- with a short skirt, what are you supposed to do with those action or seated poses? So, glad I bought some skimpwear to use for panties and kitbash. With this outfit, you can use a lingerie outfit for the panties. It doesn't come with boots either, so not thrilled with the lack of a complete outfit.

    Ginger has dramatic and "plainer" makeup. I went with the auburn/copper hair so did that with the eyeshadow and lip color. I really like the lipstick options, many coral, rose tones with slight changes. So many characters have light or dark, but many of these are subtle.

    This character is for Stephanie 6 and is shown on S6, but you can use it on any Genesis 2 Females. Shown out of the box, no tweaking.
    The hair has adjustments and styling applied. You can thicken the hair, swing it forward and backward, etc.

    Doing different angles of the same pose, trying a few things,but will take awhile.

    GingerG2StephRoseThornSpringHairSIG.jpg
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  • NovicaNovica Posts: 23,895
    edited December 1969

    Here's another "out of the box" of Ginger. Shows the clothes textures a bit better.

    GingerG2StephRoseThornSpringHair2.jpg
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  • NovicaNovica Posts: 23,895
    edited December 1969

    Heads up, the $30 get $5 off (only excludes gift cards and the V4/M4 sales, etc that say discounts don't stack) is now in effect.

  • NovicaNovica Posts: 23,895
    edited June 2014

    Taric (DAZ 3D / Silver / Countess)
    Attilus Marauder For Genesis 2 Male(s) (DAZ3D / Bobbie25 / Sarsa)
    Milen Hair (AprilYSH)

    http://www.daz3d.com/taric
    http://www.daz3d.com/attilus-marauder-for-genesis-2-male-s
    http://www.daz3d.com/milen-hair

    So to further entice those who don't own Taric yet, here he is shown on Gianni this time, and then I posted a side by side with the second one with Ginger altered (using 7 of my very own custom nose morphs plus the standard move nose down.) Also plumped her lips and squared them a bit.
    EDIT: Be sure and turn the straps on the skirt to zero opacity if the skirt of A. Marauder goes across the thigh. Otherwise, they penetrate through, depending on the position.

    I will re-render showing more of the outfit, it went through the thigh.

    gingerTaricCompare.jpg
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    Post edited by Novica on
  • ZarconDeeGrissomZarconDeeGrissom Posts: 5,412
    edited June 2014

    funny. The preview pics of ginger show a more normal looking nose then that pinpoint-weapon look in your renders. I was finger hoovering over the Add to cart, when I noticed the Stephanie6 requirement. Funny thing is, I typed V6 in the store search, not S6, lol.

    ginger01.jpg
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    Post edited by ZarconDeeGrissom on
  • Serene NightSerene Night Posts: 17,654
    edited December 1969

    Nice lighting Novica! I like the couples headshot with Ginger's expression and the backdrop. Funny about the lack of underwear.

  • NovicaNovica Posts: 23,895
    edited December 1969

    zarcondeegrissom said:
    funny. The preview pics of ginger show a more normal looking nose then that pinpoint-weapon look in your renders. I was finger hoovering over the Add to cart, when I noticed the Stephanie6 requirement. Funny thing is, I typed V6 in the store search, not S6, lol.

    Yep, she was out of the box and that's what she looked like on Stephanie 6. I will reload her tonight on S6 and just Genesis 2 Female and compare them- but won't be back until later tonight. I was a bit surprised too.

    Here's the full shot that had to be redone because the skirt went through the leg. Hate that when a mistake happens in the lower part of a four hour render! (arrgh.) Again, make the skirt laces opague.

    Weigh in over on this thread regarding the new PC club beta- quite a bit to process.
    http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/42712/

    GingerG2StephRoseThornSpringHairTaric3.jpg
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  • starionwolfstarionwolf Posts: 3,670
    edited December 1969

    that man has big pectorial muscles. Some women dream of handsome and muscular men. I missed the sale for Rose Thorn. Thanks for showing the armor.

  • NovicaNovica Posts: 23,895
    edited December 1969

    starionwolf said:
    that man has big pectorial muscles. Some women dream of handsome and muscular men. I missed the sale for Rose Thorn. Thanks for showing the armor.

    No problem :) Yes, love the pecs! The only thing I reduced was his outer thigh muscles- those would be a lot bigger had I left them as they were. Not sure if it was the Taric or Gianni that had them bulging so much.

  • NovicaNovica Posts: 23,895
    edited June 2014

    zarcondeegrissom said:
    funny. The preview pics of ginger show a more normal looking nose then that pinpoint-weapon look in your renders. I was finger hoovering over the Add to cart, when I noticed the Stephanie6 requirement. Funny thing is, I typed V6 in the store search, not S6, lol.

    You are not required to use Stephanie 6. As a matter of fact, I loaded Ginger onto Gen2 Female, loaded her straight from People (without pre-loading Gen 2 Female) and those are both the same. Then I loaded a new figure- Stephanie 6 (Not the HD version) and then loaded Ginger on to her, and that's where the different nose appears. This is not the rendered version, just a screenshot, the nose does tighten as it's rendered. So if you like the promo, just load her onto Gen 2 Female. :)

    The first is on Gen2F, second on Stephanie6.
    I will say I like Ginger, she renders easily and has nice skin materials.

    EDIT: Added a second render, one with Ginger directly loaded, and the gal next to her is on Stephanie. (The one closest to you.) I added Ginger's materials whereas the first shots kept Stephanies darker ones.)

    gingerCompare2.jpg
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    gingerCompare.jpg
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    Post edited by Novica on
  • NovicaNovica Posts: 23,895
    edited December 1969

    Callidora Outfit (DAZ 3D / DemonicaEvilius / Silver)
    Callidora Outfit Textures (DAZ 3D / DemonicaEvilius / Silver)

    http://www.daz3d.com/callidora-outfit
    http://www.daz3d.com/callidora-outfit-textures

    Here's Ginger (not on Stephanie 6, loaded her directly from People) with Estal Hair and the Callidora outfit. I am definitely not liking the way the top fits under the breasts. Very jagged. This is out of the box and smoothing may solve that problem. Outfit does not come with shoes. Shown with the blue materials from the Textures product.

    Anyone use the Callidora Outfit with smoothing? Or on a different figure where it looks good?

    gingerCallidora2.jpg
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    gingerCallidora.jpg
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  • NovicaNovica Posts: 23,895
    edited December 1969

    I think the problem is that even though it says Callidora Outfit is for Olympia and other Gen 2 females, my Ginger isn't as robust as Olympia and doesn't fill it out like Olympia would.

  • TJohnTJohn Posts: 11,149
    edited December 1969

    Novica said:
    I think the problem is that even though it says Callidora Outfit is for Olympia and other Gen 2 females, my Ginger isn't as robust as Olympia and doesn't fill it out like Olympia would.

    My "Home From The Wars" a few pages back has the Callidora on Olympia. I don't think it was designed to fit snuggly under the breasts, but bunch up a bit, and appear as if gravity was at work (on the dress).
  • ZarconDeeGrissomZarconDeeGrissom Posts: 5,412
    edited June 2014

    The nose doesn't actually look as bad in your second set of renders, it may have been some effect with lighting or angle in the first one. I'm beginning to wounder how photoshoped that advertising-pic is. I think Yasmin and Wachiwi were the only two figure I purchased, where the advertising-pic actually looked like the people I got (I need to stay positive).

    I've gotten that effect with the cloth as well. I remember reading about a fix somewhere (I didn't actually go threw the fix walk-through that was mentioned in passing). I need to find that fix, as that outfit is on the 'Pending' list of stuff here.

    My Jeep is going into the she shop Monday for an inspection sticker, and I have no idea what that will cost.
    (edit)
    Hopefully they'll just replace the throttle-cable zip-tie with the bracket-clip that was forgotten in the engine-swap, and put on the sticker.

    Post edited by ZarconDeeGrissom on
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