Make A Photorealistic Nature Scene

Discover a simple process for creating a realistic-looking render with Megascans

In this tutorial, we will cover the process for achieving a photorealistic look in closeup nature scenes by utilising the most straightforward methods possible. Therefore, our priority will be focusing on convenient yet effective techniques to produce the desired result. The path to a realistic render has never been easier with the use of invaluable Quixel assets (Megascans) and apps, namely Bridge, which is an efficient tool for quickly and accurately importing resources to 3ds Max to achieve an instant realistic result. However, the manual process of using Quixel 3D scan assets will also be covered too.

Additionally, we will explore rendering and lighting by seamlessly combining the IBL method with artificial illuminations using Corona Renderer. Moreover, this tutorial will illustrate how to create chromatic contrast and colour harmony in conjunction with the composition of elements in a frame, and how this can be utilised to help send a message to the audience, establish the desired mood or even tell a story.

We will be using Photoshop and the Color Efex Pro plugin for sharpening the details in our image, colour correction and colour grading. Finally, we will conclude by introducing the Caesium Image Compressor as a free image compressor software for sharing the final output render on the web.

01 INITIAL MODELLING

For this scene I used 3D-scanned assets from Megascans for the models, including some rocks and stumps, and mixed them up together in 3ds Max to create a natural-looking environment with a very high level of detail, for producing a realistic render.

I have used the high-poly versions of those 3D scans, but you can also get nice-looking results with a LOD 0 version of it for a close-up shot like this scene.

02 QUIXEL BRIDGE INTRODUCTION