V-Ray Google SketchUp Course Syllabus

Module 1: Introduction to V-Ray for SketchUp

• Overview of V-Ray and its integration with SketchUp.
• Introduction to V-Ray interface and tools.
• Setting up V-Ray for efficient rendering.
• Basic render settings and workflow.

Module 2: Basic Rendering Settings

• Explore render output settings (resolution, aspect ratio, file formats).
• Render quality: low, medium, high, and production quality.
• Balancing render time and quality.
• Overview of V-Ray render passes and layers.

Module 3: Lighting in V-Ray

• Using V-Ray Sun and Sky for natural lighting.
• Artificial lights: Point, Spot, and Area lights.
• Adjusting light intensity, color, and shadows.
• Creating realistic indoor lighting with V-Ray IES lights.

Module 4: Materials and Textures in V-Ray

• Introduction to V-Ray material editor.
• Apply and modify materials (wood, metal, glass).
• Using bump maps, displacement maps, and reflection maps.
• Advanced material settings for reflection, refraction, and glossiness.

Module 5: Cameras and Views

• Setting up cameras and adjusting focal lengths.
• Creating perspective views and camera angles.
• Depth of field and its impact on realism.
• Exposure settings for accurate lighting and color.

Module 6: Advanced Rendering Techniques

• Introduction to Global Illumination (GI) for realistic light diffusion.
• Using reflection and refraction settings to enhance realism.
• V-Ray’s ambient occlusion for realistic shading.
• Techniques to reduce noise and improve render quality.

Module 7: Post-Processing in V-Ray

• Introduction to V-Ray Frame Buffer (VFB) for post-processing.
• Adjusting render output (contrast, brightness, sharpness).
• Denoising and improving details in renders.
• Saving and exporting images for presentation.

Module 8: Optimizing Render Settings

• Techniques to reduce render time while maintaining quality.
• Using V-Ray’s interactive render preview for fast adjustments.
• Working with V-Ray proxies for complex models.
• Adaptive sampling for better render management.

Module 9: Rendering for Different Design Projects

• Rendering architectural exteriors and interiors.
• Creating realistic landscape renders.
• Product design and furniture rendering.
• Preparing high-quality renders for client presentations.

Module 10: Final Project and Review

• Apply learned skills to a real-world project (residential/commercial design).
• Create a complete photorealistic render for final review.
• Instructor feedback and tips for improving your portfolio.