Sorry for the delay......

I have tried with virtually all the rendering settings including Custom, with anything from 200 to 10000 pixels (proportions constrained).

I have tried quick render / 3D software render / hardware render / altered buckets etc and I still end up with sh.te quality images / small files...or none at all as the render fails after an hour or more!

It is not as though it is a seriously complicated image either....it is just a customised human form that I am using to get used to how 3D progs work.

Al.

Quote - That sounds odd. Have you tried saving to another format (PNG or TIFF) and then converting to JPG - if it renders - in ???animage editor?????

Tried everything.....and here I am with Photoshop files as big as 1G!!!!!  and jpegs at 30Mb!!!

Al.

Thank you all again....It seems I have a lot of options over which way to go and which need some careful consideration....I'm gonna copy all your replies and advice and sit down and read them carefully.

Unfortunately right now, I have four architectural illustrations on the go at the same time (like a production line....four skies, four sets of roofs, millions of trees etc etc).....none with digital input!....so you can imagine I am under pressure.

My need for the Poser/Daz route is for something completely different.....I have 8 audio CD covers to do, all with the same woman, in different poses, in different clothes in different environments, all verging on fantasy...If I use the usual route (airbrush) I run the risk of a cock-up, or  a bad likeness or more.....Poser or Daz seems logical, clean, easily corrected errors, probably quicker and less dangerous....I can't tell you how many times my scalpels have slid off my board!....one stuck in my leg....luckily my leg and not my lap. 

The ideas are in my head so all I have to do is get them onto PC....Unfortunately I don't have the time to 'make' clothes and hair, so they will have to be purchased....although I would like to know how to 'make'  them.

I am on an extra fast learning curve here, so I am probably going to miss certain things you tell me, so sorry if I repeat a question already answered.....when it comes to PCs etc, I am a bit on the slow side....if they ran on petrol it would be brilliant....race tuning motorcycle engines is a doddle.

Thanks to all again.

Al.

Thanks Jeff.....It seems it is as much as I have always believed.

For example, if I use say, an article of clothing (Freebie) that someone else produced for use with Daz V3,.....as long as I check the terms of that Freebie, ie whether for private and or commercial use, and use it in accord with theose terms, I will not infringe anything?

I also guess that it would be a good gesture to give credits to those persons when the final document gets 'released' ie: Designed by AlLewis, using XXXX,YYYY, and FFFF?

Thanks again...Al.

 I couldn't find it just now.....got a link, please?

Seen it...thanks.

Al.

Surely you don't think I'm stupid enough to think there isn't a learning curve?

But....the only way I learned enough about Photoshop, was to be put under pressure to get some projects done....it took about a month of evenings to learn what I actually needed....but I know there is still more to pick up.

I learned by making errors and found out how to correct them, largely on my own, but also by picking up the odd tip from other people. The same applies with watercolour, airbrush, oils or carpentry....you never stop learning, but if needs must, you sometimes have to do things in a hurry, regardless.

The same applies here....so I'm sorry if I am picking your brains.

As a matter of interest, how do we all stand on the subject of copyright?.....If the software is available freely and legitimately, plus the image is something newly created using the material avavailable, is there any likelihood that I would infringe copyright?

Regarding the PC ....it is in all truth nearer to $3400.....But you try living in the UK! Mind you it is a purpose built  AMD 64 X2 4600 with 2G DDR2 memory and two monitors, plus a huge black case which if they can't bury me in it, they can keep rabbits in it.

Thanks, Al.....off to figure out render settings and what that all means, plus catch up on urgent 'manual' work.

Al.

I found a load of free stuff, half of which doesn't work....something to do with file names or where I filed them. The program itself  doesn't work that well....several things don't respond or aren't installed....but it works and I got a half decent result for first attempt.

Unfortunately, the images don't save well as anything other than a Daz type file.....the jpeg and tiff versions are sh.te.

Still, I guess I had better transfer my questions to a Daz topic or buy Poser...if it is better.

Thanks for all the advice. Al.

I have downloaded Daz Studio and Vicky....I got four downloads for these...what the hell is ps_pe036_V3.sit?......it wouldn't open whatever it was.

Anyway, I have partly sussed how to manipulate the woman but she is being a little non-compliant......(all the women out there immediately shout that it's my fault!).....Haven't figured out how to delete the environment from the main image yet, neither have I figured out what/how all the options work down the left side....

However, as I haven't acquired Poser yet, I had better carry on with what I have got until I understand more.

Excuse thickery, but what is Postwork?.....never had a cause to use the expression.

Thanks all again, Al.

Thanks for this as well.

This sounds a bit bigheaded, but as my PC has just cost me close to $4000 (at the current exchange rate...UK £) it looks as though the 'stuff' I will need is somewhat lower, although I bet I will find it soon mounts up! 

I have no problem with traditional methods but I have to admit I am getting fed up with time and potential mess....I got like this with cars when I used to maintain them myself...now I can't be bothered to get in a mess.

Al.

Thanks everyone......

At least you have confirmed more or less what I was thinking I needed (as to what they do and how they work is another thing!)

What I was hoping to do is to produce images similar to the (say) 'Blood Fang' examples I guess you have all seen......But honestly, I don't know if this is 2D or 3D. Because I produce architectural illustrations, I consider these are 3D views of 2D information.

The trouble is when it is on my screen, it is 2D......But then, so is everything else!

Thanks again. Al.