3DS MAX ENHANCEMENTS AND TIPS

[ryan_wdrtx]

Hello, I design 3D Architectural Renderings. I'm looking for some feedback and advice on how to take my renderings to the next level. I've been using 3ds max for close to 5 years. I use Vray with it to render. My modelling seems to be good. I've been trying to get better at lighting, shadows, and adding more people and objects to my models. 

-Does anyone favor a rendering engine over vray? I've looked into corona. Not sure what others may be superior.

-Based on my attached images how could I take these to the next level? Any links or resources would help.

- and finally, what is the best source for buying quality add in 3d blocks? People, Trees/Plants, Cars, Furniture, etc.

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated! I love 3DS Max and my skills have improved with each use but I intend to achieve higher quality in photo-realism

[yiannisk]

Hi, this is definitely the wrong place to post such a question.
This section of the community is meant for Ideas to improve 3dsmax.

You would get more responses had you posted in the appropriate section.

The choice for rendering engine is important, but there is no rendering engine today that cannot achieve highly realistic results. What changes is some details in the workflow and speed. Vray is still the king in Archviz. Corona has started emerging in offline rendering for a while, but also Real Time 3D rendering using Unreal or other simpler tools like Twinmotion,  D5, Enscape and others. 

But the choice of engine is not what is holding you back and no engine has a magic button that makes renders look compelling and extraordinary.

Lighting definitely is key. You really need to work more at that. 

The same applies to your materials, they feel flat. Artificial. 

Learn to use color grading and exposure tools. 

Your first interior image is overexposed. In your second, the lighting feels very artificial and, in the depth, you can barely make out which is the TV and which the fireplace. In both, there are barely any items to show people live there. A lot of standard decorative and functional objects are missing. 

In the exteriors you could do with some more street furniture and again, signs of human activity.  People, cars etc. better plants. 

There are many great 3d asset stores. Turbosquid, CGTrader, Evermotion, Poly Haven, and so many others. 

[georgetoneverland]

Consider trying out a real-time rendering engine like Enscape, D5, or Twinmotion. These tools are specifically designed for architects, making them highly user-friendly. They simplify the technical aspects of rendering, allowing you to focus on your design work. While there might be a slight trade-off in terms of realism, it’s often negligible and hardly noticeable, especially for professionals who aren’t specialized in rendering.