Rendering in SketchUp

Fig. 15.5: 
This interior 
rendering will be ana-
lyzed to show the com-
position zones (Twilight 
Render).
Fig. 15.6: 
In this com-
position, blue represents 
the foreground, red the 
midground, and yellow 
the background.

---

246
Part 3: Modeling Detail
Fig. 15.7: 
The foreground for the building rendering includes the road and cars. These elements provide 
context and scale but do not command attention.
Fig. 15.8: 
The foreground detail of the interior frames the rest of the scene. The kitchen 
counters and table are off to the side, leaving the middle of the view open and leading 
the eye to the midground.
Consider the following tips when you are placing components in the foreground:
3
3
Minimize detail, keeping the view open to the midground.
3
3
Avoid views in the foreground centering on components or model detail. Detail should 
be on the sides, helping frame the view. If an object cannot be moved, adjust the camera 
view around the object.

---

247
Chapter 15: Camera Scenes, Composition, and Backdrops
3
3
Hide objects on layers if the objects cannot be moved or worked around—for example, 
buildings, walls, roofs, trees, cars, or any obstructing component or model object. 
Create a special layer for the scene and place those objects on the layer. Turn the layer 
off and Save/Update the scene. See Chapter 14 for a refresher on working with layers 
and scenes.
3
3
Ensure that textures are sharp, correctly scaled, and not pixilated.
3
3
Avoid placing people or poorly modeled or textured objects in the foreground because 
they can detract from the view.
Midground
For most renderings, the midground is the area of focus (Fig. 15.9, Fig. 15.10). Be it a building, 
interior, or site, the rendering content and detail are in this general zone. A standard method 
for composing views is to use the Rule of Thirds. Divide the selected view into thirds, both 
horizontally and vertically. Try to keep the object of focus on the far left or right third or 
two-thirds. Consider the following tips when you’re placing components in the midground:
3
3
Most component detail will be arranged in the midground.
3
3
Add enough detail to create a comparable view to a real-world context (see Chapter 14).
3
3
Use the Rule of Thirds.
Fig. 15.9: 
The focus of the render, which is the building, is located in the midground. The various site details (trees, 
lights, benches, etc.) are arranged to frame the building.

---