Some tips on getting a nice render?

[adrencg]

Sounds like a simple question, but it's been challenging for me to get anything but a washed out image. When I look at the gallery, I see some nice renders, with great color saturation and a crisp, photoreal look.

Any tips on adjustments in exposure, daylight, texture environment, materials, etc on getting away from my monochromatic, dull looking renders? I think the root of my problem is my basic setup. Can someone post a basic scene so I can look at various settings?

[adrencg]

Ahhh, just saw Radiance's post in the Resources section. I'll read through it, but I'll still listen to anyone that wants to add to this thread.

[Jaberwocky]

Try starting with these settings , tweek away from there and see if that help

[adrencg]

Try starting with these settings , tweek away from there and see if that help

Funny

[sathe]

Set your HDRI to Gamma 2.2 (If it's not already baked in)

Set Octane gamma to 2.2

Use Kodachrome 64 tonemapping.