Getting into photorealistic rendering?

vincentmees

Hi everyone,

I'm currently studying architecture and I'd like to bring my SU skills to a new level.
I'm really interested in these photorealistic rendering plugins. Do you have some tips for me on what engines to try? Starting with easy and eventually to something like Maxwell and VRay?

My SU skills aren't that great, but I get all the basics and can create some decent models.

IMO VRay is kinda complicated and maybe not ideal to start with? Maybe Podium Browser is a better plugin to start with?

Thanks already, Vincent

pilou

@unknownuser said:

Maybe Podium Browser is a better plugin to start with?

Surelly more easy!

You have here a very detailled article about that!
An Introduction to Photorealistic Rendering in SketchUp, using SU Podium (5 parts)
By Jim Allen

With Podium but that can be adapted at any renderer

solo

Vincent, I'd change my avatar from Vray to something neutral if I was asking that question.

olishea

I agree Podium is a fantastic plugin to start with. The new engine is producing some stunning images, it's very easy to use and the forum staff are very helpful. I believe Twilight is also a great plugin to learn rendering with, very streamlined workflow and will do everything you need for architecture and beyond. It's a bit closer to the 'generic' layout of more complicated render engines and allows for some more advanced modifications to materials/environment, so it's a good stepping stone. I went from Podium to Twilight to Thea but I still use all three depending on the job. I would download a trial of various plugins and see what suits you to begin with. Good luck.

vincentmees

@unknownuser said:

@unknownuser said:

Maybe Podium Browser is a better plugin to start with?

Surelly more easy!

You have here a very detailled article about that!
An Introduction to Photorealistic Rendering in SketchUp, using SU Podium (5 parts)
By Jim Allen

With Podium but that can be adapted at any renderer

Okay thanks! I will definitely check out this inroduction. I'll keep you guys posted if I want to step it up a notch and switch to another program that fits my needs.

Thanks, Vincent

@solo said:

Vincent, I'd change my avatar from Vray to something neutral if I was asking that question.

Yes of course, I just didn't have inspiration for another avatar so I picked that one.