The test I am working out now are clouds based on Vue Spheres. Page 411 gets it started.
After not getting the results in the lesson I just added the material from the Clouds Sphere #2. It saved allot of time and I was able to start changing parameters quickly.

This is definately a test in progress
The clouds still look a little too hard. Some real fuzzy settings on spheres just above the cloud tops may add the mist fluffy look I'm after. After applying the material the Key attributes for change are Global Transparency and Fuzzy Settings. The greater the Fuzzy setting the less likely you are going to see intersecting polys from each sphere. At least for now, I am using a lower settings for clouds at a greater distance to give them a more more volume in reflected light.
The lighting which includes Diffusion, Ambient, Contrast and Luminosity are next with Contrast and Ambient play a big role with different positions of the Sun.

Stacked Clouds
I am staking spheres closer to the camera because at higher resolutions the clouds look a little too hollow with open transparent areas. At greater distances I am using a larger cloud as a filler to fill gaps. For now the current settings work with a variety of Sun positions. At high angles luminosity and Contrast needs to be cranked up.

Issues for Now
Fog and Haze don't play too nice so far.

richcz3 Message edited on: 06/02/2005 18:35