Before I get any further with this picture, I'd really like to know if it is convincing enough as an underwater scene. Thanks. Josselin

I think the good points are : the reflection of light shows a wave pattern ; the lighting looks convincing for a lagoon or some very lit sea. Nevertheless, but it's not as important as the good points, there's too much "noise" in the light. I mean it should be more clear and it looks a little dusty. The hind areas should also be a little darker for visibility falls very quickly underwater. I'm not sure I helped, but I'm certain it will be a good piece. :)

Attached Link: http://www.renderosity.com/viewed.ez?galleryid=306969&Start=1&Artist=Doublecrash&ByArtist=Yes

I agree with the comment above, mostly, but I think the images lacks somehow the murky feeling you have when you're underwater. To accomplish this (and avoiding the render-monster Volumetric World, although I still consider it the best way to achieve the result), you can maybe try to assing a volume material to your caustic-gel ligths and see what it comes out. If you want an example with VW (it's only an example, nothin' more than that), maybe you can see my gallery entry "Comparing 3 Different Bryce Renders" (the link is above) which explains the pains :-) I underwent in doing my first underwater image.

Hope it's useful,
Stefano

Attached Link: http://www.renderosity.com/viewed.ez?galleryid=306968&Start=1&Artist=Doublecrash&ByArtist=Yes

An this is the final result...

Attached Link: http://members.tripod.co.uk/apachedesign

U might try my tutorial, its very simple but you can improve your own style later. Apache2k

Thanks a lot. Doublecrash, your picture is simply amazing. Apache 2K, I'm going to have a good look at your tutorial (by the way, did you notice the spelling mistake in "shortcuts" on your tutorials page?). Josselin

Attached Link: http://www.renderosity.com/gallery.ez?ByArtist=Yes&Artist=DryFly

Your best friend when building a UW scene is haze, fog and volumetric slabs. If you want, or care to :), you can take a peek at my gallery and you'll see that in all of the UW scenes I build, even in the clearest of alpine lakes, there is still a fall off to almost zero visibility at some point. This takes place pretty quick beyond a certain distance. Also keep in mind that light tends to blend with the turbidity and color of the water which results in a washout. (yours has a great start on this) This effect is increased exponentially by depth. Especially in the ocean. Beyond a certain depth it is nearly impossible for the human eye to discern anything less than extreme differences in color, and even then usually only in darkness of shading. So take into account just how deep you want your picture to be and increase the atmosphere to reflect (and decrease the intensity of the caustics). You have a great eye for veiwing angle and you picked a tough one, because your visibility will have to drop off vertically. :) Although the intensity of your caustics would lead the eye to believe it is relatively shallow, so it's a trade off. Lastly, if you choose to use volumetric primatives for light as Stefano (Doublecrash) advised, then the intesity should also be lessened the deeper the image. I never claim to be an expert, by any means, but I have done ALLOT of UW (albeit mostly freshwater) so your welcome to take, leave or stomp all over my rambling advice. :) A great start and a very challenging angle, I look forward to seeing the finished piece. Matt

Thanks for your help. I've changed quite a few things as you can see. Now I've got to reduce visibility in the distance (thanks for the tip Matt). Is there anything else I should do? Josselin

:) thanks Jausse, ill fix it... blush....