Learning to render in smooth preview

Lately I have been using the smooth preview setting to sample what objects look like when smooth without adding vast amounts of geometry. This is a very interesting feature in maya as the mesh itself can be manipulated more easily and the object appears more realistic. However, I had some issues when trying to render the smooth preview node. I knew the render could be achieved but lacked the knowledge to do it.I asked various students whether there was a way of rendering in smooth preview but they could not tell me exactly what to do.

I eventually found some useful sites which shed some light on the issue. In order to set up the render i needed to override some mental ray attributes which would allow the smooth image to be rendered. It was a case of finding the right windows and adjusting the settings accordingly. The effect was important for two reasons.

1. Render time would be reduced

2. You could see how the object would be affected when a light was projected onto it.

Finding this information out was hugely beneficial when rendering lighting tests and saved vast amounts of time. The rendered images could then be presented to students and tutors alike so they could see what the final film might look like.