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• How to model an architectural scene and create stunning materials that breathe life into your projects
• How to use real-world photometric lights and global illumination to achieve photorealism
• Efficient project workflow and scene assembly
• Tips and tricks for the production environment that would take years to learn the hard way
• How to market your services to prospective clients

Welcome to the world of 3D architectural visualizations using the most powerful and versatile 3D software package on the planet: 3ds Max. In just the last few years, the visualization industry has arguably become the fastest-growing 3D industry, and may soon overtake all others in total number of users. Just as the use of CAD became the norm for nearly all architectural, engineering, and construction firms in the 90s, 3D visualizations have become standard practice today. This book takes you through the challenge of learning one of the most complex computer programs ever created, by way of easy-to-follow tutorials and instruction. It specifically focuses on those parts of the program you need to know to produce stunning architectural visualizations. The intent is not to show you every possible way to accomplish a task, but rather some of the fastest and most efficient ways. At the end of the book, there is a guide to marketing your services, as well as 20 top tips that took the author almost 10 years to learn in a production environmentsometimes the hard way. 3ds Max is a large and complex applicationbut by learning just the features that apply to visualizations, you’l be learning everything you need to know to get ahead in the industry in the shortest possible time. Summary of Contents:

• PART 1 GETTING AROUND INSIDE 3DS MAX
  • Quick Start 1 Getting Started
  • Chapter 1 Navigating the 3ds Max Interface
  • Chapter 2 Working with Objects
• PART 2 MODELING
  • Quick Start 2 Getting Started with Modeling
  • Chapter 3 Modeling Basics
  • Chapter 4 The Critical Compound Objects Types (Loft, Boolean, Terrain, and Scatter)
  • Chapter 5 The Critical Modeling Modifiers
• PART 3 MATERIALS
  • Quick Start 3 Getting Started with Materials
  • Chapter 6 Material Basics
  • Chapter 7 The Critical Map Channels
  • Chapter 8 The Critical Map Types
  • Chapter 9 UVW Mapping
• PART 4 LIGHTING
  • Quick Start 4 Getting Started with Lights
  • Chapter 10 Basic Lighting
  • Chapter 11 Photometric Lighting
  • Chapter 12 Global Illumination
• PART 5 CAMERAS AND ANIMATION
  • Quick Start 5 Getting Started with Cameras and Animation
  • Chapter 13 Camera Basics
  • Chapter 14 Animation Basics
  • Chapter 15 Animation Controllers
• PART 6 RENDERING
  • Quick Start 6 Getting Started with Rendering
  • Chapter 16 Rendering Basics
  • Chapter 17 Scene Assembly
  • Chapter 18 Effect Basics
• APPENDICES
  • Appendix A Marketing Your Services
  • Appendix B Top 20 Production Tips
  • Appendix C Customizing 3ds Max
  • Appendix D Keyboard Shortcuts

  About the Author
  Since 1997, Brian has worked as a CAD manager and animation specialist in architectural, engineering, and landscaping firms in southwest Florida. He started his own company in 2001, specializing in the production of architectural animations and renderings in 3ds Max. He is the cofounder of 3D Architectural Solutions in Sarasota, Florida, and is currently an instructor at the Autodesk Authorized Training Center, Planet Digital Education, in Orlando (www.planetdigital.com), where he teaches 3ds Max for the visualization industry. A portfolio of his work can be seen at www.3das.com.

  Brian graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point with a major in aerospace engineering. He served on active duty, and later in the Florida Army National Guard, including two years as a battery commander, responsible for a short range air defense battery of over 100 soldiers. Following 9/11, he served in Washington, D.C. as an air defense artillery fire control officer, working closely with the US Secret Service, the USAir Force, and the FAA to provide air defense coverage of our nation’s capital. In 2005, he deployed numerous times with his unit to provide humanitarian relief to hurricane victims along the Gulf Coast.