Quote:
Originally Posted by 3webjam  Don't know much about this myself - but could you get away with a base of an image of photographed feathers?
Then add some of the feathers that you mentioned above? These alpha planes would add the depth that you need.
Just an idea... 
Jacqueline |
thats how i would do it.
use a photo texture and bump map on the bird then put your feather planes wherever you need some extra realism.
or apply texture to the bird, then duplicate the geometry where the feathers go and make it slightly larger than the original geometry, (like a shell) and texture it with a photo texture with bump and
alpha. this way the "outside" geometry(the shell), will allow some of the "inside" geometry(the bird) to show through. it will give you a little extra depth. and allow the outside feathers to cast a shadow on the underlaying feathers
don't know if that makes any sense or not