I was able to create a video for gnomonology: http://gnomonology.com/tutorial/310

Description of video content:
In this video Jeff Patton takes an in-depth look at how to create a realistic render of a vehicle in 3DS Max using Mental Ray.
Jeff walks you through the process step by step and provides a solid foundation for you to be able to create your own renders and understand Mental Ray.
Specifically, Jeff covers the following items: Arch and Design Materials, Metallic Flake Paint Materials, Using a 3 Point Lighting Setup, Photographic Exposure Controls, Kelvin Controls, Texturing, The New Composite Map in 3DS Max 2009.

Here are some renders from the scenes I discuss (and included with the video)

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A huge thanks to Chris Desse http://xtrm3d.cgsociety.org/gallery/ for allowing me to use his model.

Just created a new blog entry addressing frequently asked questions about creating displaced grass in mental ray / 3ds max.

http://www.mrmaterials.com/jeffs-bl...cement-faq.html

I've added a new blog entry on getting shadows from your HDR's/image based lighting by using Irradiance Particles: http://mrmaterials.com/jeffs-blog.html