Quick Photo Realism In Blender

I've had loads of requests to cover my "achieving realism in 12 minutes video" in more depth. So here it is. In this video, I show you the process to quickly create a photo-realistic render of a pint of lager in Blender. You can use this same basic process to create just about any cold drink in Blender.
HDR images - HDRI hdrihaven.com
Easy HDRI add-on - codeofart.com/easy-hdri-2-8
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#Blender #DECODED #B3d
Music -
"Deep Relaxation" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
creativecommons.org/licenses/b...
Chapters:
00:00 Intro
01:10 Modeling
05:35 Materials
08:15 Bubbles and droplets
12:10 Table
14:22 Render and compositing

[@DECODEDVFX]

The node wrangler shortcut to open textures is Ctrl+Shift+T. You can stop sending me messages now...

[@sebastian-sarbu]

😂😂

[@rifdifirebolt]

Lmao

[@SilvanoP]

i just leave it here docs.blender.org/manual/en/dev/addons/node/node_wrangler.html

[@altfurr7276]

i do not want to like the comment, just because the 256 number.....

[@FlashySenap]

What buttons was it now again? XD (sry couldn't resist!)

[@klaus9356]

why am i watching this video i dont even have blender Edit: thanks everyone for the advice, I have now downloaded blender, and I've successfuly completed this tutorial, among many others.

[@ThylineTheGay]

why not?

[@klaus9356]

tryed it once, as well as UE4, but they are too hard for me to use. I did some renders tho, but my knowledge is so simple I am barely able to follow this kind tutorials, but they wont stop getting recommended lol. Also, great work with the render

[@muhammadsketches8590]

@@klaus9356 its nothing really that hard,just need some passion

[@ThylineTheGay]

@@klaus9356 there are blender tutorials for complete noobs also do you mean the renders on my channel?

[@klaus9356]

No, I just discovered your channel

[@floretionguru2977]

Awesome- the best thing about this tutorial is that it relates a lot of different topics in a short amount of time.

[@DECODEDVFX]

Yeah, this is a bit longer than my usual video, but I tried to cram in as many little tricks as possible.

[@davidmurphy563]

I was being all very cocky thinking "I'd have done the same" until you added the wet shader to the wood. Lovely touch and there's no way I would have thought of it. Good job.

[@RogersPhotographyGuilford]

I too was very cocky thinking "I'd just add a real glass of beer" and had been able to drink it after the shoot ;)

[@blithe4728]

i’m sorry but “a cold pint of piss” 😂😂 08:21 thanks for the laugh and awesome tutorial lmao

[@mihailazar2487]

JARATE !

[@h7opolo]

that made me laugh, too

[@rudstar64]

Bombs away!

[@londontrada]

This would have been fine if you were creating an image of Fosters 😂

[@foggyforest2625]

I literally felt it looked like piss😂😂

[@lucasschofield8716]

This may as well have been in Chinese for me but it's very entertaining to watch.

[@jesperjee]

It’s not??

[@Kodiak73]

Im a complete noob to blender after only working with it for about a month. Thats all it takes to start to know enough of what hes talking about to follow along. Give it a try!

[@itsprobablyrobin]

@@jesperjee he's basically saying he doesn't understand a thing the guy said because he doesn't know blender (i can relate, i know nothing about blender either) but it was very entertaining to watch

[@beansheeran7322]

@@itsprobablyrobin well then hes an idiot!

[@nightspike33]

Lmaoooooo dawg

[@MeowtronStar]

KZbin: Human, you wanna watch a CGI professional render a glass of beer. Me: No, I don't. Wtf. KZbin: Yes, you do. Me: Yes, I do, master.

[@tokyorose1123]

“Let’s be honest, it looks a little bit like a cold pint of piss” My new favorite saying.

[@Quiark]

"add some chromatic aberration to make it look more like a real photo" Lens makers: *visibly offended

[@littlesnowflakepunk855]

Quick tip: The way to make physically accurate bubbles in a fluid in Blender is either to give them a glass shader with an IOR of 0, or give them the same material as the liquid but make sure that their normals are reversed. The way you've done them looks kinda weird when you think about how bubbles are actually formed -- it just looks like dots of lighter colored beer, rather than a bubble.

[@littlesnowflakepunk855]

@@lagranpatata-qj5qy After hitting CTRL+B use the scroll wheel to add more segments.

[@callum6224]

What does reversing the normals do? Seems like that would be like a ‘glitch’, or at least making use of something you don’t want 99% of the time. Also I’m sure a glass shader looks good on bubbles up close, but a punch of particles emulating bubbles rising inside of a darker liquid like beer probably doesn’t need to be that realistic, no?

[@littlesnowflakepunk855]

@@callum6224 Think about how bubbles are. They're little "gaps" of air within the liquid. Now think about how normals work. Normals show the direction each polygon is facing. In the case of a bubble, all the polygons would be facing inward, much like if you were to model, like, a hollow glass box. So join your bubbles with the beer, making them part of the same model, and make sure that their normals are facing inward, that way the refraction shader interacts the same way real light would.

[@callum6224]

@@littlesnowflakepunk855 wouldn’t the glass bsdf shader, which he used, do the same thing? Or are you saying the refraction shader doesn’t work the same way if you use flipped normals? I should just try it, but I’m also not understanding how what you described doesn’t apply to the method using bubbles with the normals oriented ‘correctly’, but using a glass shader. Thank you for the explanation to a reply 2 years after your initial comment btw lol. Re reading this reply and my previous reply it kinda sounds like I’m doubting your method but I’m actually just genuinely curious, as I’ve never heard of anyone utilizing flipped normals, ever.

[@littlesnowflakepunk855]

@@callum6224 Using the glass shader with normals oriented correctly, you don't get the shift in IOR that you get between a high-IOR fluid and zero-IOR air, so the refraction through the bubbles looks wrong. Also, due to the way internal reflection works in Blender (it doesn't, really,) the reflections that you'd get on the inside of the bubbles are incorrect.

[@jeffk412]

"Any five year old can do it! With twenty years of practice!"

[@soj_afk]

This has to be the best tutorial video ever! I really needed to learn about bubble effects…

[@user-ir2fu4cx6p]

First I thought this is another boring long tutorial but after 5 minutes I realize how professional this tutorial are , this stuff people pays money to get it .

[@lars2299]

16:39 "If you're not a member of my patreon, well then you're shit out of luck" nice

[@roomahgaming]

the subtitles write "you should have a look"

[@Madigan308]

You have such wonderful videos, your voice over is perfect with all the shortcuts, thanks for making these!

[@kadekeqw23]

Master at work, wow!

[@andypuempel2570]

I really like this format. Shows all the steps necessary, but doesn't get bogged down with detailed click by click instructions. I found this very helpful and instructive provided you have a beginner+ understanding of the fundamentals of blender. Nicely done.

[@DECODEDVFX]

Thanks. I don't really do click-by-click tutorials until I can cover the whole topic in less than 5-6 minutes.

[@tuomokulomaa6995]

Thank you for appreciating my time. Speedy and comprehensive. Great work.

[@aldystofan2196]

the tutorial shows me something new, thankyou so much!!

[@lordsiomai]

the amount of creativity and technical knowledge applied in the making of this video is astounding!

[@scottlee38]

Love the depth of field!

[@henkkok9437]

Its like the donut tutorial,but then with beer and faster, I enjoyed it

[@senjiryakketsu]

these are really good tips man, thank you so much !

[@zack3g]

I don't have blender, use blender or even really understand what it is. This is in my recommended for some reason and I'm glad I watched it. Very cool!

[@frenchyboy4804]

This is literally better then every "How to start in Blender" tutorial. Will definitely be using this tutorial sometime in the future. Thanks.

[@DECODEDVFX]

Thank you!

[@technoendo]

This is a nice elegant tutorial. It uses relatively simple objects in terms of modeling/texturing while still including some other techniques to build a better scene (lighting/particles/sculpting). We get a glimpse of how a more skilled artist would knock this out from top to bottom which is helpful. I probably wouldn't have thought to do a wetmap under the glass and I dig the workflow around the foam head. Please get yourself a real pint for this brother.

[@blue3d830]

Great video! Thank you!

[@ChrisMills-AmbientSpace]

That is bloody awesome. Thank you.

[@TonyInTownNZ]

Bloody marvellous tutorial. thanks

[@piotr803]

This just made me thristy....for knowledge.

[@AnteP-dx4my]

One of the best tutorials I've seen . So many little tricks in lots of different areas that work well together . Absolutely loved it! Gonna recreate it asap.

[@DECODEDVFX]

Awesome, thank you!

[@user-ru5bo4nc8n]

I found for myself many useful tricks from every stage of this tutorial, thank you very much!

[@gameremixlab]

That's a really nice tutorial. I'm really getting into this blender world, it's amazing.

[@4.0.4]

Looking at the final result, I thought it would be harder. A sign of a good tutorial!

[@MikeSBG]

Wow I like it, simple and very realistic!

[@janis5959]

This tutorial is so good! I don't usually watch tutorials longer than 10 minutes but this one is actually pleasing to watch. You somehow fit a lot of topics into 16 minutes without being too quick. Great job!

[@DECODEDVFX]

Thank you so much!

[@simoncodrington]

Looks great mate, keep up the top notch work :)

[@onesheisty]

Really good tutorial. Clear and to the point(s).

[@Drums712]

Out-Friggin-Standing! Thank you sir! New tricks learned today!

[@DECODEDVFX]

Thanks!

[@playproduction8853]

Jeeez that was fast! Great techinque, and great job (obviously)!

[@awblenderpersonalprojects]

Great job. Lots of great info for a moderate user. Thanks.

[@mae2309]

Not too fast not too slow. It can go just one bit slower but it you know blender well. You know what he is doing. I GIVE IT 10+ great tutorial. Am going to give this a go. Thanks you. Cheers!

[@almadixon-cider31]

Although I Have Know Idea How I Got Here, Understand Any Of What You So Eloquently Explained, Watching You Do That Thing That You Did Was Amazing! Thank You, I Didn't know How Much I Needed To See This!

[@cg1582]

The perfect tutorial. Cant get better. Cheers

[@daedalusjones3804]

Good no nonsense tutorial. A refreshing style.

[@Rivental]

Very realistic!!! Impressive!

[@abbasbanaee9068]

you’re the best❤️ thanks

[@TerenceKearns]

This is excellent. Thank you so much. I'm going to give it a go.

[@Pulse2AM]

Super modeling! Thanks for the video.

[@TomasMcAdam]

Got some great tips from this dude. Thanks!

[@mustafayerebasmaz390]

Awesome workk 👌

[@lz4090]

wow so many tips in this tutorial. Thank you

[@psifis]

Excellent tutorial!!! Thank you very much.

[@michaelsoto9869]

Great tutorial, very thorough

[@TheWeakenedWarrior]

Thanks for this tutorial. Nicely done.

[@DECODEDVFX]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@elliotk.8964]

This is such an awesome tutorial! I love your videos, thanks so much for sharing them with us :] keep making incredible art!

[@DECODEDVFX]

Thank you

[@Kiralmao]

didnt understand a single word you said in this video, but the final result, and even just the models are amazing. good job

[@user-bb1sz5qo6o]

Great tutorial! Really interesting and a beautiful result!

[@mixchief]

I like this kind of photorealism

[@suzukito]

this vid made me feel really chilled out and relaxed. i just really wish you added a background that aligned with the perspective of the table!! :0 really great modelling and material work

[@LucaToumadiMatthews]

this was awesome bro keep it up

[@vesq_tv]

I just happened to model exactly the same looking pint yesterday and was wondering how to create the foam on top, this tutorial came in clutch :)

[@conchabelo]

This tutorial is GOLD! Thanks man!

[@DECODEDVFX]

Glad you liked it!

[@acmtsing]

This is great!

[@farhadsamadov3598]

Amazing job!

[@bagarreable]

congrats, best tutorial I found !

[@nosutt]

Amazing work. Tutorial is very clear and concise. Thank you.

[@DECODEDVFX]

Thanks Noah.

[@jeremytitus6575]

The wetness trick was very new. Thanks!

[@grimreaper6098]

never used a blender but super interested to learn I wanted to know what I was going myself into before I did that and this video showed me exactly that!

[@Marco-in3yk]

Somehow the final render looks to me like a piece of frozen beer due to the missing thickness of the glass

[@WilliumBobCole]

lol yeah, he said 1-3mm thickness then proceeds to make a paper-thin glass XD

[@DECODEDVFX]

@@WilliumBobCole I used 1.5mm of thickness.

[@DECODEDVFX]

If you look at an actual glass of liquid, you usually can't see any thickness below the liquid line due to refraction. It's a wired optical illusion bit it's something that happens in real life.

[@Kino-Imsureq]

@@DECODEDVFX ? but everytime i use a glass i always see it

[@Lars-gu3wi]

@Thu Nell Ⓥ you shouldnt drink a Bear, could be dangerous!

[@iflightsim]

Fantastic video.

[@insanitylol]

This looks very close to an irl photo, impressive job

[@letsgamingyt1]

2019: * Takes pictures in real life * 2020: Takes pictures on a computer

[@None27191]

Screenshots?

[@lilianprym3286]

this is great

[@ButtercupVisuals]

That was a pretty awesome tutorial

[@KevBinge]

Very, very cool. That’s a cool technique for controlling wetness. I usually do that procedurally but this way is a nice control, which is way better in some respects.

[@DECODEDVFX]

Thanks. I try to keep things procedural as much as possible, but I think it's more effort than it's worth sometimes.

[@KevBinge]

DECODED I agree. It’s fun but sometimes you just want to put a wet spot where a wet spot should be lol!! This is great man. The shot is solid and the procedural roughness on the glass at that distance totally works. I dig your stuff, and you’re right, I’ve shot pictures of beer with good cameras under good lighting and you don’t see much of the bubbles (head) or breakup.

[@Sam-oh6mt]

Great Video, I loved it!

[@DECODEDVFX]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@nikolamatkovic1065]

Well done mate!

[@Cal.lm96]

these are insane skills man !

[@DECODEDVFX]

Thanks!

[@TheRedeyes222]

Amazing. Keep up the good work.

[@DECODEDVFX]

Thanks a lot!

[@cyberlingbot3d896]

Very nice job 👍

[@NeerajLagwankar]

Literally laughed out loud on "Cold pint of piss" 8:21

[@Take_that_Taeik]

I know it's a little weird comment to the blender tutorial video, but your accent is just incredibly satisfying.. or whatever. I love your accent.

[@DECODEDVFX]

Thanks

[@eedesign878]

Thank god I wont need to learn this software, I can just enjoy the ride. Unlike any other tutorial I ever watch.

[@DECODEDVFX]

Thank you!

[@jonathansgarden9128]

So incredibly detailed. Very professional. I already loved the first video and subscribed based on that one, but this is 10 times better

[@jonathansgarden9128]

It's funny because you're super professional but then throw in "looks like piss" kinda comments.

[@DECODEDVFX]

Thanks. I don't feel particularly professional.

[@dilibanb2226]

Your tutorials were so cool...❤️

[@DECODEDVFX]

Thank you so much 😀

[@emilie1977]

Super! Thank you

[@josephvanwyk2088]

I love how you guys are so casually getting things right out of thin air. I'm watching this and my mind = blown. (1 week with Blender so far).

[@DECODEDVFX]

Keep at it. It will make sense eventually!

[@josephvanwyk2088]

@@DECODEDVFX It makes sense for sure, it's just the know-how and why that takes time to master.

[@Gorlic]

have no clue why i watched this but im glad i did, GREAT JOB MAN!

[@vera3518]

Good work thank you

[@nikolamatkovic1065]

Your knowledge is outstanding! Well done Man! ;)

[@Ruffahhhoruwork_part2]

Thank you so much

[@spyron44]

amazing tutorial as always , nice man.

[@DECODEDVFX]

Thanks a lot!

[@ReasonMakes]

Enjoyed your video. You have a really good pacing. Didn't feel like I needed to pause it to understand what was happening or speed it up. You're also clear and can be fucking hilarious ("cold pint of piss" lol). And the end result was photo-realistic. Great stuff.

[@DECODEDVFX]

Thank you!

[@Robinssoncravents]

good work there

[@dbeidesign]

Great video.

[@alijandro1989]

I'm a bit drunk so apologies for this comment. The glass used as the reference in your video is a "sleeve" glass. This is what I would use for a real ale or smooth flow bitter and not something fizzy like a lager or pale ale (the beer would go flat almost instantly and the cream/head will vanish shortly) . A reasonably modern lager glass (in the UK at least) has something called a "widget" in the bottom (an etched out brand logo or random patterns etched on the bottom of a glass) which preserves and makes bubbles or fizz in the glass (somehow). Guinness glasses or similar shaped glasses are called tulips...….dont put fizzy shit in the those also. Most breweries have there own branded glasses with unique shaped glasses. Never of them will be the same shape but they're designed to keep the look and quality of the beer intact for a while. Cannot fault the tutorial any other way. incredibly talented and I wish to learn more. Kind regards, A man who wanted to be an animator so badly but ended up a functioning alcoholic barman. good video man. :)

[@DECODEDVFX]

Most pubs have a supply of generic pint glasses for when the branded glasses are in the wash. I chose to use one of those on purpose. If I used a branded glass, the comments would inevitably end up full of beer snobs complaining about whichever beer I chose.

[@alijandro1989]

@@DECODEDVFX thats fair man. Looks awesome anyway. Apologies for being a weirdo. Keep it up man.

[@billmuir]

Pubs in Scotland don't give a fuck what glass they use.

[@NovaTech2010]

Wow unbelivible :O

[@alipk2633]

wow just wow

[@TacticalDraws]

Excellent tutorial, this really does look like a genuine pint of beer. Hell, I don't even use Blender so I couldn't make anything even half this good. The only way I can tell this isn't a genuine photograph is if you look closely in terms of condensation usually the droplets would have much more variation in size and shape but that's a nitpick. Overall very solid and job well done!