Reference Sharing Thread

ghaztehschmexeh

So, I know that there is an archived thread with links to some websites, and there are at least a couple of tumblr pages with some misc stuff. However, I thought it'd be cool to share collections of reference images we have already gathered ourselves. I feel like it'd be interesting and fun for inspiration and time saving.

At the very least I'd like to share my reference folder. It's mainly a collection of vehicles, spaceship concept art, weapons and various mechanical stuff. There's a couple thousand images so far. If you want to contribute that'd be great! I can update this post with links.

Contributed References

Ghaz's References
odd_enough's rocketry photography

Note that I do not own any of these pictures. Do not use (other than for reference) any of the images in this thread without the consent of the author. If you own any of the images in this thread and wish to have them removed, please let me know.

ghaztehschmexeh

Any interest in this at all?

SuperFranky

I just use Pinterest for this. There are tons of reference boards in there.

ghaztehschmexeh

SuperFranky wrote: »

I just use Pinterest for this. There are tons of reference boards in there.

I've never used pinterest. I've come across it occasionally when searching for refs but had no idea it was used for references specifically. Do you have any tips for finding stuff for references?

I still think my idea is relevant though. I have, for example, 400 images just of Sherman tanks, from the M4 through M4A4 and Firefly variations. 100 images of a Mossberg 500 which were taken specifically for me, along with images highlighting the difference between the civilian 500 and the military 590A1. Just collecting images like this takes time, and I'm giving the opportunity to directly download a large pack of pre-organised images.

mediochrea

If I recall correctly, there was an inspiration/reference folder thread made right after CG Hub went down, can't seem to find it though.

mediochrea

Scratch that, found it: http://www.polycount.com/forum/showthread.php?t=133625

ghaztehschmexeh

Some decent links there, thanks! I'm not sure how I feel about pinterest. On the one hand, it seems like a decent place to gather refs. But I don't like assuming that websites they link to will remain up. Plus I'd just rip all images from a board to my drive, as I like to be able to quickly swap between images with arrow keys (or use a reference board). I like using something like google drive because you can easily preview/view/mass download (unlike zipping and uploading to mega). I plan to maintain my drive for myself anyway... I guess if this thread doesn't amass any interest I'll just throw a link in my sig or something.

Edit: Hmm, actually getting into this pinterest thing...

mediochrea

Pinterest would be great if it provided at least some form of organizing apart from top level folders. The tags and search are pretty useless too, as they don't index your private boards. Also, no batch upload, really? What is this, 2002? And all the irrelevant "trending" stuff that they actively try to shove down your throat will get annoying fast.
Anyway, Drive/Dropbox are superior for reference folder purposes, at least from my experience.

ghaztehschmexeh

Yeah, I think I'll use pinterest to gather references but not to store/share them.

Suba

Man, your references kick some serious ass. Really usesful and inspirational stuff.

ghaztehschmexeh

Suba wrote: »

Man, your references kick some serious ass. Really usesful and inspirational stuff.

Glad they could be of use! I'll probably dump a load more on there when I get bored grazing pinterest and flickr for images :poly142:

ghaztehschmexeh

I recently came across this website: http://www.primeportal.net/

It has tens of thousands of images of tanks/trucks/aircraft/weapons etc. I am currently ripping it for my folder for easy access/organization. But the link is there for anyone who wants it. Really great site.

throttlekitty

Pinterest keeps local copies of everything you pin, FYI.

ghaztehschmexeh

throttlekitty wrote: »

Pinterest keeps local copies of everything you pin, FYI.

I've found plenty of links that lead to dead ebay auctions. 256 pixel thumbnails don't make good references. And all of my previous issues with it still stand.

Elith2

I keep meaning to do something like what you have done with your reference but never do, I start out with the best of intentions then it never pans out. That link to all the military stuff is sweet, will need to dig through that at some point as well.

Cheers for putting all your reference up.

ghaztehschmexeh

I found an amazing flickr group. It has over 48 thousands images of military vehicles from museums. I'm currently working my way through and grabbing my favourites.

https://www.flickr.com/groups/1248163@N22/pool/massimofoti

odd_enough

I might as well post this here. I recently went to the Kennedy Space Center with camera in tow and took nearly 200 pics of rocketry stuff. I tried to get as many clear angles in as I could but ran out of room on my card. Took A LOT of pics of the Saturn V stages (page 2 and 3 of my album).

https://flic.kr/s/aHsjZD2zZh

ghaztehschmexeh

odd_enough wrote: »

I might as well post this here. I recently went to the Kennedy Space Center with camera in tow and took nearly 200 pics of rocketry stuff. I tried to get as many clear angles in as I could but ran out of room on my card. Took A LOT of pics of the Saturn V stages (page 2 and 3 of my album).

https://flic.kr/s/aHsjZD2zZh

Oh wow nice stuff. Thanks for sharing! This is the exactly the kind of thing I was hoping to be shared. Mind if I put it in the first post?

odd_enough

Not at all. Go for it