Second thing, I want to get into modeling. There are so many people here who create fantastic models that I was wondering if everyone who reads this who has modeled something would let me know which program they use. I'm a college student so I'm leaning towards purchasing the student copy of Rhino. Seems like the best price and a decent learning curve from what I can gather. I'm just really curious what the rest of you guys are using. Also, it would be a big help if you mentioned what you liked and disliked about the particular program you are using. The bigest problem I have with using Bryce as a modeling tool is that everything stays as the original shapes so its one big mess if you look at it in wireframe.

Rhino is a brill program, I had it bought for me as an early christmas present so I'm still on the learning curve. It is quite easy to use but after 2 months I don't think anything I've created is worthy yet, although I really do enjoy playing with it even the rubbish I make is fun. So if you can get the educational version I say go for it. And Merry Christmas to you too. 8) Catlin

Thanks, Merry Christmas to you too Catlin! I still feel like a newbie with Bryce but I am hoping to get a 4 yr degree in computer science so if I can incorporate a 3d program into that it would be a big advantage to know what program to use. From what little I've gathered, Rhino gives a full blown version to students whereas 3D Max does not. Other than those two, I'm not clear on what else exists out there. Ang

I think you can download a demo version of Rhino, I haven't used it myself, but I agree about the mess of modelling in Bryce. Your WIP seems to want a waterfall to the left. It looks like there is a channel, but I can't tell if there is water. If the floor/ground is also water, i think you are going to have to do something to make that more clear. I like the reflections in it, though. Perhaps a small boat floating through your archway? Or a plane/spacecraft/bird flying through? I think the terrains turned out really well. Lin

The demo version will give you an insight to Rhino which is a good way to try it out before you buy, but it only allows you something like 15 saves before it stops. Still you can learn the techniques of how to this way. Catlin

Seems like everyone says Rhino is good for the money. I haven't tried it yet so I can't really disagree. I found that Anim8or is pretty good for no cost. So for my meshes, that's what I've been using so far. It still has its weaknesses, but it's freeware and it's better than having nothing to create custom models with.

Oh yeah, and advice for the picture... It could use a bit of random foilage tucked in the crevaces that are getting light, and perhaps somebody in a raft or kayak in the water at the bottom.

Color, needs some color,....as far a moleding goes I use Amapi, Carrara Studio2 and Cinema4D, still learning the last two, but I found Amapi to be very intuitive, it has the nurbs and the rest, but is way cheaper than Rhino...I've seen stuff here done in Anim8or, Shapemagic, Amorphium and others I can't remember, I think what it comes down to for each individual is cost...free or $$$$

Think about what sort of place this is? Is it a good place or a bad place. If its a good place, then you might want some greenery and some yellow lighting. If its a bad place, dead trees or bones. Add some red/orange lighting. As far as modeling, I use Truespace 6 (www.caligari.com). There are free demos somewhere, think there was a thread on that here. Might be a free full version out there too. Agent smith might know something. Truespace does real booleans, so you are not overwhelmed with too many wireframes. More than one type of metaball primatives too.

Attached Link: http://forms.caligari.com/ts5demo/form_download.asp?adsource=&v=TS6

More colors, ripples in the water, plants or fish, other living things would be good. As to modelers I use Rhino but a warning. Nurbs are Quirky. That's because surfaces are generated from a function. I made a rocket plane and when I added the wings the top of the body flattened and bent up. You have to resist the urge to union complex and intersecting shapes in rhino. Making meshes out of objects and sticking rough edges inside of intersecting meshes will keep your final mesh size down. Iv'e used lots of drafting type programs sutch as claris, vellum, and anvil and more recently autocad and 3d studio max. the basic programs and controls are rigid. You also start out with a basic program that costs about the same as rhino, but if you add the tools like the Mech-E or the architectural tools can run several thousand more. You do have the advantage of rigid mesh constraints though. Haven't tried maya much but everyone who does much film seems to want it. You used to be able to download a version that just ran a demo of the tools and functions through a set of tutorials without saves or other tools. It would at least let you try the interface before you buy. Most of the babylon 5 series was done on lightwave. I remember a demo version of that but the setup room quickly drove me crazy. As with most of the other programs you either like them or hate them. I love Rhino, but I think you should try them all before you lock yourself into a certain mindset.