Leaves

Been reading a fair amount in regards to creating leaves for a still image. They need to be very realistic as they'll be seen up close.
First off, do I model a leaf with the veins and textures etc? Or, do I get a photograph of a the leaf and use UV maps, Alpha in the transparency channel and bump maps etc to create the textures.

Once it's created (whichever option you think would be best) I have to multiply it and render it High Res.

Are there issues with poly counts etc with a detail modelled leaf slowing things down for render? I just want the best looking, most efficient way to do this

Thanks!

hi, use a clipmap, that's the best way, you can also use instancing.

I did the same as well, scanned a bunch of gum leaves in at high res, then edited and saved as Tiff's. with an alpha tiff for the trans, then built a square poly, and knifed it out then bent/twisted it to shape
edited for bump and could add layers for veins or paint in. good luck

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