January 2022 - Daz 3D New User Challenge - Composition, Instancing, & Duplication
DAZ_ann0314
Posts: 2,849
New User's Challenge - January 2022
Sponsored by DAZ 3D
Are you new to the 3D World? Are you at the beginning stages of learning 3D rendering? Have you been around for a little bit but feel you could benefit from some feedback or instruction? Have you been around awhile and would like to help other members start their creative journey? Well then come and join the fun as we host our newest render challenge!
Back by popular demand (or well because we think it went well LOL), we are breaking down each month into 2 different challenges:
A Beginner Challenge and then also an Intermediate Challenge.
So which "Challenge" should you choose?
Follow the Beginner Challenge if you are:
- New to the New User Challenges
- New to Daz Studio
- Newer to 3D Rendering in General
- Or if you have not participated in the January Composition Challenge
Follow the Intermediate Challenge if you have:
- Participated in the New User Challenge for awhile
- Know the basics of Daz Studio and would like to learn more in depth topics
- Been using 3D Rendering Applications for awhile and feel comfortable with learning Intermediate Topics
- Or if you have all ready been spotlighted in the January Composition Challenge
*Please be sure to list in your post which Challenge you are participating in
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Comments
Beginner Challenge:
"Composition"
This is a general render challenge with the focus on how you compose your image. We are providing you with lots of great links on Composition from a variety of sources. Composition is key to pulling a viewer into your image and leading their eye to where you want them to see things. It is a fundamental skill that we, as artists, not only need to learn, but will continue to hone over the years. Read about and look at the examples, in these articles, for how composition works and how artists, from the Masters to people like you and me, put these compositional guidelines to use to make our pieces more appealing and invite the viewer to look around your image as you intended.
General Composition Rules:
http://design.tutsplus.com/articles/5-fundamental-skills-every-artist-should-master--psd-28054
The Golden Ratio:
https://designschool.canva.com/blog/what-is-the-golden-ratio/
http://www.hongkiat.com/blog/golden-ratio-in-moden-designs/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8A3JnWzgXGk
Some Tools for DS and Bryce:
Golden Rules Camera Prop v1.5 by Jaderail
Golden Rules Composition Helpers for Bryce by David Brinnen and Horo
Artists, filmmakers and photographers share similar traits in how we present our work, so you will find that a study of the art of photography will help, which is why you see various links to photographic articles included.
Photography Composition:
http://digital-photography-school.com/5-elements-of-composition-in-photography/
http://digital-photography-school.com/5-more-elements-of-composition-in-photography/
Color can be used as a compositional element, especially when you have color contrast. Here are some fundamentals on color:
Color Fundamentals:
https://99designs.com/blog/tips/the-7-step-guide-to-understanding-color-theory/
Other Types of Contrast:
http://photoinf.com/General/NAVY/Contrast_and_Framing.htm
Examples of Composition:
http://www.cybercollege.com/comp_ex.htm
http://www.cybercollege.com/comp_ex2.htm
http://www.pinterest.com/dawnshiree/rules-of-composition/
Examples from Netflix's The Queens Gambit (The Director of this series did an EXCEPTIONAL job applying the Rules of Composition):
Composition of The Queen's Gambit (You may need a Facebook Account for this link which directs to a post - be sure to scroll through the pictures as there are TONS of excellent examples)
This is a bit of a long read but offers excellent examples of different kinds of composition and camera angles.
The Cinematography of "The Incredibles"
Prior Composition Challenges:
January, 2021
January, 2020
January, 2019
January, 2018
January, 2017
January, 2016
January, 2015
Daz Tutorials
Getting Started with Daz Studio
I will be checking in as will the rest of the Community Volunteers to try and help with anything you all may need.
For a list of the current challenge rules, please see this thread : Challenge Rules
Closing Date: January 31st 2022
Intermediate Challenge:
"Instancing and Creating Duplicates"
This is a general render challenge with the focus on using Instancing and Duplication within a scene. We are providing you with some links on the topics from a variety of sources. Utilizinging Instancing and Duplication well is key to creating intricate scenes while saving on file sizes and processing power. It is a fundamental skill for those wishing to do large battle scenes, those wishing to create their own worlds, or those wishing to create an environment that seems full and complex.
*If participating in this Challenge, please be sure to list what item(s) within your scene you have instanced or duplicated*
General Instancing and Duplicate Creation Information:
Node Instances
1. Click on the item in the scene you wish to Instance
2. Go to Create - New Node Instance (Good for Singular Instances)
or
1. Click on the item in the scene you wish to Instance
2. Go to Create - New Node Instances (Good for adding Multiple Instances at once)
Pluses:
Doesn't use as many computer resources as loading in the items again (So it won't show as more Geometry Loaded in if you look at the Scene Info Tab)
Great for filling in a scene with items that are going to look identical while keeping the computer strain down.
Can Populate a scene fairly quickly
Minuses:
All the items will share the textures of the original item.
Node Instances are an exact copy of the original, they cannot be morphed or posed separately
Duplicate Nodes
1. Click on the Item in the Scene you with to Duplicate
2. Go to Edit - Duplicate - Duplicate Node(s)
Pluses:
Creates a copy of the Selected Item
You are able to change textures, manipulate, repose etc as if you added in a new copy
Minuses:
Doesn't Save on Computer Resources since it is basically the same as loading in a second exact copy (Rig, Bones, and All)
*Duplicate Node Hierarchies *
(Duplicates the entire node tree below the Selected Node)
Example: If you select Genesis 8 that has clothing and hair attached then it will Duplicate Genesis 8 as well as the attached hair and clothing.
1. Click on the Item in the Scene you wish to Duplicate
2. Go to Edit - Duplicate - Duplicate Node Hierarchies
Pluses:
Creates a copy of the Selected Item and all items attached to it. (Great for creating a copy of a Figure with included clothing, accessories etc)
You are able to change textures, manipulate, repose etc as if you added in a new copy
Minuses:
Doesn't Save on Computer Resources since it is basically the same as loading in a second exact copy (Rig, Bones, and All)
Generally you want to use Duplicates or regular full figures with varying poses etc in the forground of the scene and then use the instances more in the background or as scene filler where it will be less likely to notice they are the same (especially useful when using Depth of Field etc) It can also be used to help cut down computer load when you actually want or need to identical things (props etc) in the scene..such as two chairs in a livingroom, two tanks (or 20 tanks) on a battlefield, multiple candles in a scene that are all the same color, books placed on shelves, potion bottles that can be moved to various places across the scene, or things like trees and grass.
Examples of Using Instances and/or Duplication within Daz Studio:
Instances used for the Spectres that are Attacking Ater Eterwood
(Special Thanks to Totte - Code 66 for the Example)
Instances used for the Crates and Barrels. Barrels were rotated to avoid the repeated look.
(Special Thanks to Totte - Code 66 for the Example)
Instances used to add more Patrons to the tavern
(Special Thanks to Totte - Code 66 for the Example)
Instances used to add more snakes to the image
(Special Thanks to Totte - Code 66 for the Example)
Instances used to add more Vikings at the feast
(Special Thanks to Totte - Code 66 for the Example)
Instances created Using UltraScatter on the to create a ball of Skeletons as a trap in the tunnel
(Special Thanks to Totte - Code 66 for the Example)
Instances created Using Stack'Em Up on the Containers
(Special Thanks to Totte - Code 66 for the Example)
Handy Products to Use while Instancing:
Stack'Em Up
UltraScatter Advanced Instancing for Daz Studio
UltraScatter Pro
Instances Plus+ for Daz Studio
Prior Composition Challenges:
January, 2021
January, 2020
January, 2019
January, 2018
January, 2017
January, 2016
January, 2015
I will be checking in as will the rest of the Community Volunteers to try and help with anything you all may need.
For a list of the current challenge rules, please see this thread : Challenge Rules
Closing Date: January 31st 2022
Here's my start this month. Happy new year everybody.
Already have version B here.
I moved my first charcacter more in the direction of the camera because it turned out that his foot was sticking into the tire behind him. He also has an ally who's reloading their own firearm while the two of them are under fire from the hostile that I've added.
I've also done some texture work on the vehicle they are taking cover behind.
Very nice! I really like version B
Be sure when you post your final that you say which part of the challenging you are working on ok (I assume this is Composition)
Beginner Challenge: Composition
Title : "Hawaiian Hula Girl on the beach" (...)
Softwares used : daz3D ; affinity photo
Background photo from pexels.com (free to use) : building-beside-shore-412681
Don't know if I'll think of anything to add to this, but here's and example of using instancing to have a lot of dancing skelitons.
Cool, but it's a bit too dark to see. Maybe you could add some more light on it ?
It looks like the dance of "thriller" with michael jackson :D
Really nicely done and I can see the rule of thirds going on there really well
Looks really lovely! 
Title: Siren Song
Intermediate challenge
Used duplicates for splash against rock
Really nice! I love the muted colours.
Thanks,
It's just the start
Awesome image! Great job
Good work on the background splicing.
Great picture, good use of tones, composition and expression.
Title: Here We Go Again!
Contest: Composition
Imagine that you've just arived at the bottem of a barely working elivator only to see this when the doors open.
This is version A of a new idea that hit me tonight. The walls need retexturing, and some other tweeks, but here's the start.
I was timpted to have a name that I would have to censore but held back.
Title: "Love at Second sight"
Contest Intermediate challenge - Instancing and Creating Duplicates
Duplicated item : surfboard
Software used : daz3D
Nice image but if I make a remark. the lighting is off. It is coming from the wrong ditection. If you look at the background photo it from the back left (where the sunset is.
This means you should actually see a rimlight on her.
Move the key light more to the left and make it less bright. It would improve the image a lot
Version 2.0
Update of previous posted entry
Title: Siren Song
Challenge: Intermediate Duplicates/Instances
Ducplicate items: Splashes against rock
Changes from previous version.
-Improved ocean (created in Cinema 4d, textured with Iray in Daz Studio)
-Added more spray and increased detail
- Wet skin with water droplets on mermaid
- changed hair color on mermaid
- Matted wet hair that clings to skin on mermaid
- pose correction
- Improved lighting
- added seaguls
@frodopoes thanks for your feedback, I appreciate :)
Let's say it has some kind of "photo flash/bounce" that occured lol.
But yeah, lightning is tricky, I'm still learning how to do it right.
Title: Here We Go Again!
Contest: Composition
Version B here with some texture work done, some tweeking of the hostile's legware, and adding an additional light source just out of view.
Gorgeous work frodopoes! Lovely muted color palette, wonderful detail and textures. Love the ocean and splash work too. Really great!
Great work on the detail, posing and composition!
Thanks for all the links on composition and instancing. I learned some new things about composition, and only now learned we can duplicate nodes! Wow, that makes things so much easier! For this render, I used duplication and instancing to create all the glass tiles (just flattened primitive cubes) and also used duplication with the character, to create an artsy render.
"In Triplicate" (Intermediate Challenge)
My 2nd entry for this month's challenge
Title: Let me pet it too please!
Challenge: Intermediate - Instancing and duplication
Duplicates: Trees
Instances: Various plants and grasses
At the Diner
Intermediate Challenge
The waitress has been instanced twice. The girl in the pink sweater is a duplicate of the woman in the car. The cook and the guy in the leather jacket are duplicates of the guy in the car.
Delivery
Intermediate Challenge - 2nd Entry
The taped boxes in the truck are instances and the birds on the ledge are all instances with the exception of one duplicated bird.
Title: Visitors at Night
Caption: The spirits hovered around him, curious what was keeping him up at such a later hour, and wondering if they could shine a light upon his gloomy thoughts
Software: Daz 3D
Challenge: Intermediate
Feedback is appreciated! (instances & duplicates are of the little spirits)
Title: Her Worship
Software: Daz 3D
Challenge: Intermediate
Second Entry! Feedback appreciated. Instances are the bowing demons
Great render! The use of instances works really well, love the idea and all the detail. If I were to suggest anything, it'd be to brighten up the render a little as it takes a moment to see everything. Wonderful work! Oh, and love those adorable spirits in your first render! : )