Just a recent attempt in Bryce 4, to create realistic, light-shaded clouds. There are some "Sky Lab" clouds behind the volume slab, but one could never mistake the two. The Volumetric clouds are kinda sparse, but the effect is closer? Any pointers, or maybe examples? (Note : Not to discredit Sir Mojo, but surely realistic clouds are POSSIBLE inside Bryce, aren't they? Is the code any different in Bryce 5, that it might be easier to make these clouds at home?)

Do you have the Coral B4 patch, it did something to make volume objects better ( not sure what though ) they also had some newer volume clouds that worked with the patch. Personally I put volume clouds on spheres, just don't like the slabs.

I also put the volumetric clouds in spheres. Gives you a bit more control over the shape and positioning of the clouds I think.

B4.1 added some much need volumetric presets that Ken Musgrave created. During beta testing we also finally added the true volumetric mode (called Basic shading). B4.1 also added a mode called sky integration, which allows volumetric clouds to blend nicely with existing atmospheric effects. Of course all of these features are also in Bryce5. Volumetric slab clouds take forever to render - sometimes it is better to make a few foreground free-standing clouds with spheres. During creation of volumes - the key it is try and get the effect on the rabbit rather than the tortoise side of the render slider. Good luck - Scott : )