My first rendering!

[LaughingChipmunk]

Well, I had to change my file from a bmp to a jpg so it would get accepted, but now I'm getting another error message saying I've already posted, but my post doesn't show up.  *Sigh!*    

Anyway, let's see if this will work....

My mansion's living room fireplace.  I still need to make many more changes, this was just a test. :-)

[Jack Zimmer]

This is a nice design. Good start on rendering.

I can suggest a few things. First, I'd get Irfan Viewer. It is free and will allow you to easily resize the image. It is best to post jpgs no larger than 800 x 600 and try to keep the kb down to around 100 or so.  Some users cannot download files that are as large as yours.

Second is that the ligths you used are casting a shadow of the fixture itself in the room. You could switch to another light source or you can go to the lights properties and 'move' the 'bulb' up or down using the Z coordates. Sometimes raising or dropping the bulb eliminates the harsh shadows. You can also turn off parts of the light in properties. Turning off parts of a light (Basic tab / then go to 'Display' option) can reduce shadows.

Third thing is to use Advance Rendering for interiors. Set Quality to 3 for starters and Antialising to 4. This will take longer to get a render but MUCH better results.

Keep up the good work.

Jack Zimmer

[LaughingChipmunk]

Hey, thanks for your advice, Jack!  I understand what you're trying to tell me.  I'm going to copy this and save it on a notepad, so when I work with my lights and rendering again, I can refer to your instructions.  I had a big row of track lights off to the far right, but they weren't in the rendered image. Maybe that contributed to the harsh shadows too?  But yeah, I'll keep working at it.  I still have a lot to learn but I'll get there! Thanks again! :-)

[Allan Chesney]

As Jack said, it is looking good!!

TFP will save as a JPG if you change the setting on the Rendering tab but still good to reduce the resolution.

Give the Advanced render a go - it will make a dramatic difference. Do a search on advanced and radiosity as there are a few tricks to it.

Allan