I just want a little clarification on what we are supposed to be voting on this month. As I understand it, the challenge was to achieve realisim, through the creation of a desktop in bryce(imports allowed), the more realisitic, the better, right? The reason I ask, is that I see some really fantastic entries this month, some of which, I don't think really fit into the requirements. Please, correct me if I'm wrong, as I don't want to be voting for a pic for the wrong reason. thanks, big_hoovie

You'll have to use your own judgement. Basically, It's Realism and Desktops. With said Desktop taking on almost any form, by the examples given by humorix. Heck, the construction team next door to my house are using wooden sawhorses and sheets of plywood for what amounts to desktops. Judgement can be a pain... AgentSmith

Well, its a good question because I've seen the best turnout on this challenge for as long as I've been a member. Some are very elaborate, but have a fake quality to it. If I'm voting on the best desktop then "a" wins. If I'm voting on the best realism, then "b" wins. I think we do need some clarification and hope that folks go back to the challenge description. Seems like this one is more technical on the vote than on the creation of the image.

Personally I think each member should decide for him/her-self what is more important; The realism, the concept, the complexity. Just vote for the image that attracts you the most.

Realism is pretty broad as a concept. "Toy Story" is realism of one type, "Final Fantasy" another. If it has a desktop and is obviously at least an attempt at realism, I think it qualifies. This is supposed to be fun, so let's try not to get over-analytical and just vote for the one you like the best.

ok, I think have an idea now. I think you all bring up valid points, in that we should follow the paramaters of the challenge, but to a point. the rest is artistic liscence(even if it is supposed to be "realisitic") and tjohn, you're absolutly right: this is about fun. the onlyu prize you get is a digital gif to put on your website, and the right to declare the next challenge. well, we all know who's is going to win, so why don't I tell you all what the next challenge will be? lol! j/k hehe

I agree with Rayraz and tjohn. Basically, there aren't many Bryce renders that are truly photo-realistic. Face it, they are extremely rare, and typically they're of mountains. So, as I see it, you read the rules, and you participate in the challenge. Since you get to vote at the end of it, you can interpret the rules as you wish. Ultimately the collective votes determine what the challenge was really about. If it were up to me though, I would ask the next winner to limit the challenge to just one criteria. Such as Desktop or Realism, but not both. I think it would yield a greater array of images. But, I suppose that's up to the winner.

I'll think about it when I am coming up with the next challenge... =c)

Well. Humorix and my idea with this challenge, was to make a picture as realistic as possible. I know its not easy to achieve realism, but hey, if it would be easy, we wouldnt call it a challenge. As i see it, the one thats closest to photorealism, is the winner. Thats it!

The point of these challenges is (yes to have fun) but also to push your skills to the limit within the criteria of the challange put forth. As Rochr said the challange for realism of a desktop. In this case desktop was interpreted by the artist, the challenge was to make it look as real as possible. Anyone can throw together a render of a desk, hell there are tons of models out there that could acheive that. The challange is to use textures and lighting to make it look like it wasn't rendered by a computer. I must say most of the entries have done just that and it's going to be a real challange in itself to pick the one that's the best. To conclude I'm with Rochr, whichever one looks least like it was rendered is the winner.

Ok, johnpenn suggested Photo-Realistic and that's how I took it. I spent less time on the objects and more time on the lighting and rendering, as did everyone else from what I can see. This is definitely the best turnout we've had so far and quite frankly, the best set of images I've seen so far. Lotsa hard work there. I agree that this is for fun, and its also for learning. I was finally able to do a project in the render that I want to do in real life and appreciate the cattle prod here. (Want to make a wax of something like a dolphin or ship and pour resin in there, then champher the edges, buff the top, and glass bead/tint the impression to make a coffee table. Working in Bryce gave me a hint as to how light might interact with the table so thanks Corel and MetaC for giving us a tool that has potential to help in this matter.) So, as a suggestion........... Winner could clarify two categories. One would be the content of the image, the other would be the judging criteria. Both are necessary for an artist to enter a challenge. As for me, I'll vote for what lights my rocket. That means overall. Photo realism of a grain of wood might not overcome the overall image of a complex desk that is done well. Or vise versa. Guess we have to wait and see who I pull the lever on. Ok, no hanging chads now, ya hear?

Ok, kitty just came home and I need to listen to how her day at the office was. She has a day job. Her job is spiders and bugs. I think she likes it cuz she puts in some evening overtime hours in the house. (and she is reasonable now about demanding overtime pay). Great cat. I've had her for 6 months now and she has yet to spend a night out. She comes home every day. =(^.^)=