A photorealistic render is a photograph in all respects. That’s why it’s fundamental to become photographers first and foremost, of three-dimensional worlds.
After years of holding live workshops in various regions, and having met many people desirous to bring their projects to life with that magic touch of photorealism, I decided to condense the best of all these years into a one-day master class. Here I would bring into focus the basic themes behind photorealism, with explicit reference to V-Ray for 3ds Max.
Those who know me through the blog, or those who have read my book, are very familiar with my way of thinking and my passion: photography. Software programs are becoming less and less complex, and more and more people can take a shot at rendering. For this reason, the thing that will make the most difference will be a complete mastery of the photographic aspect, managing light, and total awareness of a method to achieve results.
By handling V-Ray as though it were a DSLR camera in our hands, everything becomes simpler, quicker and above all, more logical.
See you there!
Ciro Sannino

It usually starts at 9 am / ends around 6 pm
• 5SRW Method
• Photographic composition
• Light balance
• The lighting process
• Real lighting and V-Ray lighting
• Representing materials
• Analysis and implementation
• Mapping reflections
• Final render and Elements
• Reducing creation time
• Photographic techniques for post-production
• Post-production in 10 steps
• Various exercises and demonstrations
This content is not included either in the book or in the online course: it is a condensed version of what has been dealt with in the workshops throughout the years.
After the first Masterclass in Italy I find it really hard to describe the day’s programme. All those who took part were enthusiastic because they discovered something they really weren’t expecting / Check feedback
The concepts that I have perfected, refined and streamlined over years and years of workshops can have a profound effect on the day-to-day work of an expert, while giving the right start to those wishing to embark on this journey.
Throughout the day we will address various aspects of the 5 step (5SRW) method, examined from a photographic point of view with its relative implementation in V-Ray.
All the exercises on the day will be carried out using pen and paper, precisely to work on the comprehension aspect, which – especially in rendering – is more theoretical than practical.
* * *
Note: A laptop computer will not be required. You’ll only need a notepad and pen. The Masterclass is suitable* both for those who have never used V-Ray and wish to start with the right approach straightaway, as well as those who are familiar with the software but are looking for a simpler, more coherent, and above all, more logical way to use it.
(*) The main topic of the day is photography applied to render, with V-Ray. To know V-Ray parameters in detail, check the official guide.


Ciro Sannino is one of the few V-Ray instructors certified and authorized by Chaos Group (the creators of V-Ray). Together with his team, he worked for years on a method which would serve as a guide for creating photorealistic renders. The result was the 5 step (5SRW) method. For around 10 years he has been carrying out workshops in various regions of Italy, using his personal blog as a meeting point on which to share articles and personal thoughts about the art of photographic rendering.
In 2011 he released his first book "Photography & Rendering with V-Ray" which, even after a year, is still ranked among the top positions for the most widely sold books in the computing sector / Feedback
One of his last works - on the left - has been selected as V-Ray 3.0 "testimonial" and is also present in the installer for the new version.
LATEST EVENTS
In 2013 Ciro Sannino organized one-of-a-kind events, such as:
- Animation Masterclass with two famous artists from Pixar, Ricky Nierva and Andrew Gordon
- "V-Ray Cruise", the only workshop in the world on a cruise

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“I bought the book and this is what came out of half a day of "Christmas-time tweaking"! (Right) Thanks to your book, it’s all simpler! I’m amazed I got to this level on the first try... and it wasn’t luck!” – Gaia Miacola |
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“I’d recommend anyone to invest in this course because it is definitely worthwhile! After just 5 days I find I have a method, a lot of clarity and renders I hadn’t dared to hope for. I’m very satisfied!” - Francesca Vagnarelli |
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“I never knew where to start before. Now, after the online course, I always follow your method and I always know how to correctly approach lighting without hesitation.” - Mohamed Elwakkad |
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“Being new to 3dstudio, I didn’t think I could create a render using V-Ray from start to finish with my own hands. Thank you so much!”– Maria Elena Zarroli |
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“This book helped me a lot. It’s the best one on the whole V-Ray scene. It’s always on my desk while I’m working... always!” – Jez Emin |
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“Prior to the course, I found myself making 1000 useless attempts before, possibly, obtaining a mediocre result. Thanks to the workshop, I now have a method. I’m very grateful to Ciro for his great desire to share his secrets with me.” - Andrea Caboni |
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“Thanks to the online course at Learnvray.com and your simple and effective lessons, I am finally able to really grasp the photographic aspect, which is the basis for the art of rendering.” - Ariel Beltran |
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- HOW CAN I HOST THIS MASTERCLASS IN MY GC SCHOOL?
Contact us at support@learnvray.com - We will evaluate with you the opportunity to start a new event in your city/country
- HOW CAN I TAKE PART?
Subscribe now OR leave your mail to know when we are fliying to your country - SUBSCRIBE
- SHOULD I BRING A COMPUTER? WILL THERE BE PRACTICAL EXERCISES?
The idea behind the Masterclass is a day of intensive classroom teaching. There will in any case be exercises related to the photographic approach, without using a computer. To complete these, you’ll only need a notepad and pen - we train your mind and your approach.
- I’VE NEVER USED V-RAY. CAN I PARTICIPATE?
You certainly can. It may even be the day in which you discover an incredible new passion! If you are also a little familiar with 3ds Max, then I would absolutely recommend it.
- I ALREADY USE V-RAY BUT I WANT TO IMPROVE. CAN I PARTICIPATE?
If by improve you mean gaining a deeper knowledge of the V-Ray parameters and mechanisms, I suggest you use more authoritative and free sources: the official Chaos Group Guide and the relative YouTube channel. If, on the other hand, improvement for you means investigating the workings of photographic logic, then yes, absolutely.
- IS THE EVENT ALSO SUITABLE FOR THOSE WHO USE VRAY FOR RHINO, MAYA etc.?
The content in the online course, as in the book and the Masterclass is related to applying photography to rendering, and is therefore universal. In the demonstrations we’ll use V-Ray for 3ds Max, but as the principles are universal, they can be applied to any software program.
- AFTER THE ONE-DAY LESSON, WILL I BE ABLE TO CREATE RENDERS LIKE THE ONES I SEE IN THE GALLERY?
While it’s true that sometimes you just need a few correct tips, you’ll still need to get a lot of practice. The purpose of the day is to point your efforts in the right direction, so that you don’t waste energy. You’ll get results in the least time possible, but above all in the most logical and coherent way possible, without leaving things up to chance.
- HOW CAN I REQUEST FURTHER INFORMATION?
Send an email to support@learnvray.com
CANCELLATION AND TRANSFER – Cancellation with a full refund will be possible until 2 weeks prior to the event (any bank fees will be charged to the customer). The transfer of tickets to other people is possible and free anytime, subject to notifying the promoting company, CGworld. For refunds and transfer of titles, contact info@cgworldgroup.com.
ORGANIZATION - CGworld LLC reserves the right to cancel or postpone the event in the case of extraordinary occurrences, such as excessively bad weather, natural disasters, serious health problems or other extreme circumstances. In such cases the full cost of the tickets will be refunded (any bank fees will be charged to the customer).