Making of Bahamas

By Nguyen Tran Huy Vu
In this tutorial I will be covering the basics of SketchUp to V-Ray for 3ds Max work flow. I will not be covering every single detail, like applying materials in 3ds Max,  since I am assuming that you already have some basic knowledge of the process.

Step 1 – The model I started with

Initial 3D Model Created by Huyvu

Step 2 – Working with layers

Working With Layers

One of the most important things when modeling here in SketchUp is the use of Layers . In this file I will divide my model into different layers for example : columns, walls, beams , water, etc…

Working With Layers

Working With Layers

Step 3 – Exporting to 3ds Max

Exporting to 3ds Max

Exporting to 3ds Max

Exporting to 3ds Max

When I am satisfied with the final result , I will export my completed SketchUp model Skp. file to 3ds Max  by layer. Step by step I will  Check “visible” layer while others remain unchecked, then I am ready to  export to 3ds Max.

In the option menu I will set :

Geometry:

– Export: Full hierarchy with multi objects,  if that object is a chair,then choose “Single object”
– Don’t check the  check box on “Geometry” option, unless you want to  export the current selection.

Material:
– Check “export texture maps”, It is important to check this if you plan to use SketchUp materials in 3ds Max . If not , and if you want to create new materials in 3ds Max, then don’t check this option.

Cameras:

– Check “generate cameras from pages” only in the last export.  If you check this box during each export then in your final 3ds Max file you are going to have a lotl of coinciding cameras.

Step 5 – Inside  3ds Max

Inside 3ds Max

Open 3ds Max. I am using 3ds Max version 2009 but you can also use any older version . Go to File>Import and choose the last 3ds that you exported. Before completion of the import process, you must make a group of these objects  and convert them to editable poly. Then you must create  material/shade and assign it to that object. You should attach them to one object for easy management.  Remember: only choose “yes” for the camera in question for the  THE LAST imported step.

Inside 3ds Max

Inside 3ds Max

Inside 3ds Max

Step 6 – Creating V-Ray Sky and Sun

Creating V-Ray Sky and Sun

Now I will create V-Ray Sky and V-Ray Sun:  click and drag to make V-Ray Sky and V-Ray Sun. After I have created  V-Ray Sun I will switch to Front View and move towards the sky (move forward following the z axis)

Creating V-Ray Sky and Sun

Creating V-Ray Sky and Sun

Creating V-Ray Sky and Sun

Creating V-Ray Sky and Sun

Step 7 – Creating  background cylinder

Creating Cylinder for Background

I will create the environment in the form of a cylinder. After I have completed that I will assign a material background image to it. The cylinder shouldn’t be to big. It should roughly coincide with the size of the building.

Creating Background Cylinder

Finally, these were my final V-Ray render settings.

Final V-ray Render Settings

And here are the final renders:

Making of Bahamas - Final Render - 1

Making of Bahamas - Final Render - 2

I hope you enjoyed looking through this tutorial and it has gone someway in explaining the process.

Thanks and happy rendering…

Nguyen Tran Huy Vu