Minas Tirith

jiminy-billy-bob

Even though I had to render it in 3dsmax because I needed a shitload of vegetation, and VfSU doesn't support fog, everything in these scenes was modeled and textured in Sketchup.

(Click here for hi-res)

Stinkie

Nicely done.

jo-ke

Wow! What a nice and chrystal clear render!

dale

These are stunning. I want to see more!

srx

Amazing! Painters's eye U have.
Maybe some tips, or even tutorial somewhere on the net? What is the secret of the integrity of your shots. They look like the whole. I guess work, work and more work...Masterful Photoshop?

marked001

wow... these are really great. definitely post some more!

chedda

Great images i like the courtyard with the cat !

Frederik

Awesome...!

boofredlay

Fantastic!

Daniel

Impressive! give us more, more, more!

pbacot

What he said....

My favorite city--exciting views. Really love the distant peaks and patch of sky. Vertical is the word with MT.
{PS the high res is gorgeous. I like that you suggest the farms and settlements on the Pellenor Fields. Something LOTR movie seems to gloss over. The city wasn't in a wasteland.]

jiminy-billy-bob

Thanks guys for your comments !

As requested, here is some more from the SU viewport.
Keep in mind that only what was visible in the shot was modeled. I had no time for more, as there was a deadline (It was a 3D competition)

@srx said:

Maybe some tips, or even tutorial somewhere on the net? What is the secret of the integrity of your shots. They look like the whole. I guess work, work and more work...Masterful Photoshop?

Well, I don't know what tips to give you. There is nothing really difficult here, only time. I spent almost three months on these.
I think the key is in three main points :

Detail your model as much as possible to give it credibility
Great materials. I rarely use a texture as provided. I think that for every project you have to modify your textures, maybe even create your own, to achieve what you really have in mind. And spend time to configure your materials. Everything in real life has some relief (Bump, displacement...) and reflectivity.
Smooth lighting. The good old Sun&sky is okay for testing, but for a great lighting you need a bit more than that.
And yeah, a lot of photoshop. Here are the raw renders for comparison

@pbacot said:

{PS the high res is gorgeous. I like that you suggest the farms and settlements on the Pellenor Fields. Something LOTR movie seems to gloss over. The city wasn't in a wasteland.]

You're right. In fact, I showcased the city way before LOTR time, during peace, when it was still called Minas Anor.

Ask me anything if you want more.