Quote - You can use it to create DOF in an image by using the depth map as a mask in photoshop or psp. Start with your color image, duplicate it on another layer, apply a blur (e.g. gaussian) and then apply the depth map as a mask to the blurred layer. Adjust the opacity of the blur layer to taste.

Ok, I need a step by step of this process. Button by button as it NEVER seems to work for me.  I cant figure out how to load the depth map AS the mask. I have a blurred layer, apply a mask, and go to channels, it's simply black.  I cant copy/paste my depth map there.  I see no option to load a file. Grrrrrrrrrr.

And here's a new one. I decided I liked the focal length.  It makes the building look interesting IMO.  This version was only rendered at 1024 px wide so the detail isn't the best but it has grass now, new less eye-catching sky, a few more people, ect.

Anyone have any more CC? This will be the last revision you see until I get a final done.

http://www.vuerealism.com/vue_09.jpg

Here's me, back when I had facial hair.

I've used that concept before.  However the architect is building a pond and wanted to see a hint of water in the shot.

I'm also planning on using a bit of depth of field in the image but am saving that final touch for last.

Arg.  I hate my clouds!!! Are there good cloud tuts?

...runs to Backroom

Here is a newer version.  I'm going to have to mess with the stained glass overhangs (which i think are rediculous colors) with much higher AA or something.

http://www.vuerealism.com/vue_07.jpg

PS: still no grass yet.  There will be so tree realism will improve.  I think I might add and actual bark texture to those trees.  Has anyone made ACTUAL photographic leaf mats?

PSS: All your comments are noted and will arive in version 3. 

Honestly, I dont understand why people dont do more WIP threads.  I find them incredibly beneficial to have cg artists look over my work and tell me what they think. I end up with a much better final product.

Quote - NO FLICKER IN ANIMATION!!!!!!

User error.

Ok, but how do you setup a batch?

Hey    jc -

Hey.  I'm just gonna take a second to respond.  The bottom does not have a texture yet.  In fact, the architect is coming in today to show my what kind of material it is.  There's also a copper stripe there that doesn't seem to show up well at this point.  The roof texture, to this point, is just a map with no bump yet.  For speed of rendering sake i left it off for now.

I'll add contrast.  I think the issue is the lighting system.  It's currently just standard lighting...no GI and shadows at 70%.  Both will be improved.  I was nervous about using GI intially because of the amount of detail in the building and amount of glass.  I'll eventually move it to GI...just not yet.

I'll take note of the golfer suggestion.  I tried to make it look like he just got out and was on the other side of the cart on his way to his clubs.  I'll also eventually have an ecosystem of grass too...again for rendering time's sake, it's left off in this version.

I appreciate your comments jc.

??? How does this mean Vue 5 dev is dead people?

Just because there's a contest to win Vue 6 doesn't mean Vue 5 is dead.  This contest is, i bet, in place TO get great beta testers for Vue 6.  Chill people...I bet we wont see Vue 6 until October or November still...

Bah. Platinum Members Only.

Well, I've found that the comp running the file is slower than usual in it's rendering performance and doesn't escape the ram hit like the networked comps do.

...if you have 2GB ram.  I frequently ran into OOM errors until I got my 2nd GB stick of RAM installed.

Man, honestly.  This is an amazing piece of software. I've had crashes, but I have crashes with many programs...ones a lot less capable than Vue. I've never once regretted moving to Vue...and will upgrade to V6I without hesitation.

Here's a seperate top view of the same scene w/o grass.