Work In Progress: Microbial [update 3]

An alternative method for the scanning electron microscope look: this time the material has a fresnel diffuse shader, and no specularity or transparency. Lighting is a single spot immediately behind the camera and in line with it, plus a little environmental light and mist.

Basic material settings. There are also two cloud procedural textures influencing displacement and normals. I think with a few minor tweaks I'll probably go with this method. Incidentally there's a vimeo tutorial here with some good tips for electron microscope effects.

[Produced in Blender 2.64]

Work In Progress: Microbial [update 2]

Tried out a few approaches to get an electron microscope look: this render uses environment lighting and a transparent material on the microbes, plus mist and DOF. Now working on some animation tests: more to follow.

[Produced in Blender 2.64]

Work In Progress: Microbial

A chain of single-cell organisms with base material and texture.

Setting up depth of field

A virus-like particle

To be continued...

[Produced in Blender 2.64]