OK - here comes DNQ (Dummy Newbie Question) no 1....

I'm just a tad hazy on this runtime thing. I can find a runtime folder in my directory structure where Poser is installed. Do I just create a new runtime folder under the Poser root, and just add stuff there?

The few downloads I have added to poser have either been installed using Poser's 'Add Content' feature, or simply unzipped to the Poser root directory. The Victoria 4.2 stuff from DAZ has its own install feature which let me choose Poser or DAZ as the install target. I've installed her in both, but I'm just working with Poser for now. My 6 remaing brain cells can't handle much more than Poser at the moment.

I guess to simplify, how does everyone else set up their runtimes?

Thanks ;-)

Quote - Ok, so glad you shared that link and I clicked on it.  I'm dying laughing!  Two weeks?  Not bad! You're really daring, I haven't even ventured into the animation stuff!

Thanks again.  You've cured me of my fears and I'm going to put the blue robot and make him do the sexy walk.

Indi.

Glad you enjoyed it!

Yeah - make that blue guy work it!! It's even better with music...

See.. to use Poser it helps if you're already a little mad. Must be why I love that program so! ;)

Well, I should fit right in, then :-D I've worked in technology for 30+ years - you have to be a little whacked out to do that....

LOL

Rod

Aww...you're too kind! :-) 

Not at all.. Great work! And I love Nadia!

Rod

Attached Link: Rod's Lair

Thanks, Everyone, for the feedback, and I'm glad you all enjoyed my little essay... I had fun writing it.

This will be a short post (I'm SUPPOSED to be working...), but I'll try to shoot out another one tonight - if I don't get 'distracted' again. I'm a little blearey-eyed at the moment because I stayed up waaaaay too late last night putting Nadia through a whole lot of posing torture. If I'd only had models like this when I was photographing....

I'll probably have a few questions tonight regarding things like runtimes  (I thought that was how long it took to jog around the block...), and a few other things as well. The more I learn, the more I realize I don't know :-D

I'm quite encouraged to see that all these talented folks started off the same way I am. there's hope yet!

If ignoance is bliss, I'm a pretty happy guy...

Later!

Quote -  Oh my! I was ROFL when I read that article! So right on the spot!

Thanks, Trekkiegrrl!

Hey, you don't like Professor Snape much, do ya?  ;-D Great stuff!

Rod

If that's not a Micky Mouse deal, I don't know what is.....

Quote - If you every need help, let me know.  Or, you can always post it here!

Thanks, andolaurina! You may regret that once I get started with the questions! I'm looking longinly at your Nadia character - she will probably join my 'stable' of models soon. Very lovely! I hope to someday be able to get to your level.

Thanks,
Rod

Attached Link: Insulators.info

Depends on many variables - color, mostly. If you have any that are a nice peacock blue, you can probably get $200 + each on eBay if they're in good condition. The normal aqua ones are worth anywhere from .50 to a couple bucks. Check the link for more info.

If I ever get this Poser thing figured out, I'll have to create some insulators. I can't even imagine how to get glass to look like glass! Seems like all the refractions / reflections would be a challenge.... Of course it;s ALL a challenge at this point!!

Rod

Attached Link: Rod's Lair

Attached Link: Rod's Lair

I did a lot of work with models in the past, both professional and (mostly) wannabe models. I worked with a local agency for a few years as well. My two main rules for a photo shoot were: Keep it professional, and Keep it FUN.

If you can develop a rapport with the model from the start, you and the models will have a great time and you will get some great photos. Don't be afraid to joke around (keeping the jokes clean, of course), and get her to laugh. If possible meet with the model at a restaurant or coffee shop a week or so before the shoot, show some of your work, and get to know her (and her you). Tell her to feel free to bring her girlfriend, mother, sister or other (preferably female) companion. This will help give her a feeling of security. Letting a boyfriend come to the shoot is generally not a good idea.

Eddie has some very good advice as well. Definitely let her know what you want to accomplish, and never try to push her (or him) past her comfort level. Especially if you are working with an inexperienced model - as you certainly will be if modeling fees are a concern. If you are looking for amatuer models (to avoid those pricey pro modeling fees), check with a local photography club if one is available. Art departments at local colleges may also be able to refer models to you (they probably will not provide you with a model's phone or address, though).

One caveat: Be prepared to be let down fairly often when working with inexperienced "wannabe" models. It is not at all uncommon for them to just not show up for a shoot. This is not a problem with professionals, but again, the fees can be exorbitant.

Just keep on trying, and you will find models. As you gain experience and a body of work it will become easier to find willing models. Just remember to have fun and don't take it too seriously!

Best Regards,
Rod

Attached Link: Rod's Lair

Well, seeing as how I have only a half-dozen or so functioning brain cells left, I should pull through just fine ;-)

Thanks, all, for the warm welcome, and sage advice! I agree keeping it simple and going step by step as suggested is the best way, and the way I'll try hard to muddle my way through despite my tendency to seek instant gratification. I'll concentrate on Poser, and tackle DAZ a little later. I paid a little more for Poser!

For now, I'm going to use the info in these forums to learn a bit, play with Poser, and get to a point where I know enough to ask a meaningful question - something besides 'how the heck does this thing work?'

Hope everyone has a great weekend!
Rod