3D Studio Max Tutorial Realistic Modeling

3D Studio Max by Autodesk is a powerful 3D modeling and animation suite. The software creates photo-realistic computer-generated models that have been used in print, games, on the Internet and in motion pictures. While it can take years to master the advanced tools presented in the software suite, creating realistic models is a goal you can achieve with proper approaches toward that end.

      Source Material
   1. Creating a realistic 3D models begins with the materials used as a source for your model. Gather as much source material pertaining to your model as possible. If modeling a person or animal, photos of that person or animal from multiple angles, against a background that provides a proper sense of scale, can be extremely helpful. Get your source material in multiple lighting conditions as well, to recreate the lighting conditions you need for your modeled scene. If photos aren't available, for instance if you're creating a unique model, then drawings of your model will do as source materials. If using drawings, include as much detail as possible, drawing from multiple angles including at least the front, top and profile views.
      Modeling
   2. Create your model using the source material gathered. Scan the source material into a common graphics file format, such as BMP or GIF, and import the source into the program to act as a guide for building your model. Begin by creating a rough model, using the basic shapes included in 3D Studio Max, placed onto the input source roughly corresponding to the shapes present in your model. Add realism to your model by altering the basic shapes.

      Use the extrusion tool to deform the shapes as needed to create more complex shapes that are closer to your final model. Smooth over the objects using mesh smooth or some other smoothing tool provided by 3D Studio Max to remove the lines created from the shapes. The key to adding realism to your model is to proceed in passes, adding additional features to your model with each pass approaching the level of realism you desire. Convert the model to vertices using the drop-down models in 3D Studio Max to make editing the (Free 3D Max Models) even easier. Vertices are points representing the 3D location of object edges. A cube will have at least eight, for example, and you can alter the shape of an object by moving the vertices. You can split the edges between vertices to create more vertices to work with, adding to detail potential. It's much like sculpting using finer tools as the vertices are multiplied.
      Texturing
   3. Once you've created the realistic model shape, you have to texture it for increased realism. The texturing system in 3D Studio Max allows you to apply one of hundreds of included textures to your model, representing materials covering everything from metals to fabrics to skins. In addition to included textures you can use the materials editor in 3D Studio Max to create a material of your own, combining textures, or altering texture variables to create materials such as liquid gold or steel cloth. Placing a complete texture map over your object helps to complete the realistic modeling of that object.
      Lighting
   4. Add lighting to complete the realistic look of your model. Place lighting in natural positions, simulating indoor or outdoor lighting. You can place multiple lights around your model to simulate the effects of natural lighting sources bouncing off semi-reflective walls or other objects surrounding your 3d models. Once the lights have been placed, render your model into a commonly used file format for viewing, or save the object for use in animation or placement within additional 3D scenes.