This is my first attempt at underwater work. I tried some things from a tutorial at virtual magick magazines'"Deep Sea Diving" underwater tutorial. So far, other than needing more fish and sea plants, I feel that I've missed something or something is missing. And I'm not all the way happy with the way it looks. Any suggestions and/or help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Herne

Ok, just me 2 c's here, but the caustics effects should not be applied to the "lense" area of the image but the terrain instead. Other than that, nice work.

Attached Link: http://www.ocotaldiving.com/photogallery/

Depending on if you want to be as realistic as possible, the green might be a bit too "neon". All greenish underwater pictures that I've seen have alot of blueness to them. Here are a couple of links that might help... http://www.oceanic-fr.com/ http://www.ocotaldiving.com/photogallery/

I agree with the above about the caustics, and the neon green color. Also, In my opinion, I think that it should gradually become darker into the distance. I've been doing some underwater scenes myself, so feel free to check them out in my gallery. brholte

How about lights on the sub? Perhaps a spotlight on the wreck? Lin

Depending on how far down you are the caustics will be negligible. They are a near surface effect.

Okay, I'm still working on it. I've managed to change the color to a good shade of blue. The caustic is still giving me a small amount of grief (now I know why they are called "caustics") I'm going to try the idea of the spotlights on the sub and wreck (I'm really thinking of a spotlight from the sub to the wreck) Believe it or not, I have a light in the sub. Why it isn't showing up, I don't know. I figured this scene to be in fairly deep water but if I wouldn't use the caustic, how would I show it to be in water? (my bubbles look sooo fake) I'll post what I've done so far once I've worked on it a bit more (maybe tomorrow night, today was a bear and I'm really...well, you know). I'm still looking for some fish, So far the only one I found in the bryce freebies looks too cartoonish. I have found some 3ds files of sharks and such, got a real nice seahorse also. Is there a way for bryce5 to open up a 3dsmax file? everytime I try I get an error message (not valid format or some such) Sorry to ramble on. Thanks for all your help Herne

you bet..... that's what the forum's for... You can make it look underwatery, without caustics, by placing various underwater plantlife around, as well as fishies, but you already said something about that. also, the whole atmosphere will play a huge role in that underwater effect. ever go swimming in a lake or ocean with goggles on??? what did you use to put in those caustics??? can you maybe alter it a little, by blurring, or something to make it resemble plankton, or other various particles floating around??? keep it up!! I'd really like to see this image transform into something stunning to the eye!!!! just think of what an improvement you can make!! Just keep askin' and we'll keep helping! good luck, brholte (Benjamin Ross Holte)

Still fishing for fish (ain't even go so much as a nibble)!

Attached Link: http://www.3dcommune.com/3d/free.mv?Bryce_Free_Stuff

look for some fishies at 3dcommune.com you might need to create an account.. the link will bring you to some fish in the bryce free stuff section.

okay........ i tried my link and it just brings you to the free stuff section (not fish) just do a search for fish.

Okay, I did some work, finally found some fish! :) I found them at www.planit3d.com they are 3ds files fully textured and colored :) its' great! I took out the caustics (obvioulsy), I got the idea of the colors from the national geographic pictures of the Bismark and Titanic wreck photos. I tried to light the interior of the Natalus but I guess the windows aren't clear. I also want to get more of a spotlight effect coming from the submarine I think I almost have it, I'm not sure what I'm missing on that matter. I think the picture also needs something more, again, I'm not sure what I'm missing. My sister was a diver but she has been putting in heanous hours at her job, so feedback from her is rather difficult at present. Again, thanks for all the help Herne

use a cone spotlight and, in the light lab, click on visible object and make it volumetric. that should make it visible. Or, use a cone and apply the "lit rays" texture (found in the complex effects menu.... I think). That simulates a pretty good visible light. Looks a lot better!! you're making a great improvement. The bottome half of the image looks great, but I think if you could make the upper half a little more hazy (hopefully without drowning out the bottom) it would be perfect!! keep it up!!!! brholte (Benjamin Ross Holte)