Adding that little bit extra to an image makes the world of difference in making a render really sing.
So i was wondering what does everybody else do to give their images an extra kick?
It would be great if you could explain a little about the process or give a tutorial link?
these are the processes that i've used in the past.
I like to add a little depth of field with a lens blur and then use a layer mask to sharpen the areas that i want.
http://retouchpro.com/tutorials/?m=show&id=251 (http://retouchpro.com/tutorials/?m=show&id=251)
I'm also a fan of Multipass rendering if i have the time
http://www.3drender.com/light/compositing/index.html (http://www.3drender.com/light/compositing/index.html)
I've not tried this yet but it looks quite cool, lens warping.
http://www.3drender.com/light/lens.htm (http://www.3drender.com/light/lens.htm)
So come on, share a few tips and you might even learn something
Sometimes I like to add a subtle vignette to make the subject pop a little. Not so much that it's obvious, but just enough to darken the corners slightly.
I wish KeyShot had some basic post effects like this built in (I know of one render package that has vignette).
Another effect I'd like to see built-in is the ability to blur or soften the HDRI so recognizable objects don't appear in reflective materials. You know, so you can use the kitchen HDRI with a car and not see a chair in the car's chrome :)
Ed
Thats a nice tip, I haven't used vignettes before so will be sure to give them try, thanks.
this tutorial seems to explain a good method.
http://blog.epicedits.com/2007/09/18/quick-tip-using-photoshop-to-add-vignette/ (http://blog.epicedits.com/2007/09/18/quick-tip-using-photoshop-to-add-vignette/)
Its personal preference but I like to keep the post effects separate from the render program,
I forever making small changes to images so if for example after an afternoon of tweaks i decide the vignette is a little dark i'd much rather tweak a photoshop layer than re render the image.
One of my favorite post apps is FilterForge. I got it initially to create normals and bumps, but it is a super app with a lot of possibilities and uses. Vignette, for example, with one of many downloaded filters, is a two-click process, with total control. Things like "watercolour", "serigraph" and the like are super, and I use them often in my fine art print line. The app is so simple yet deep, and you can create breadboard style, your own filters. So check out www.filterforge.com (http://www.filterforge.com) for the full story.
My pipeline is SolidWorks > KeyShot > Photoshop (seldom for post, except for minor tweaks) > FilterForge > Photoshop for print prep > Epson 4880.
Bill G
www.GouldStudios.com (http://www.gouldstudios.com)