Add terrain. I believe in simple so I start most images with a bare-bones terrain —no cliffs, no dramatic canyons, and no alien world rock formations.

Adjust terrain. The challenge is to find the right mix of texture, height, and detail. This phase takes several trials until the right balance is achieved.

Adjust color. There is something attractive to me in a near monochromatic color pallette. I generally prefer to begin with a cold terrain. Working with a narrow pallet allows me to see the shapes and forms.

Add atmosphere. With the addition of atmosphere mood starts to come into play.

Add water. Water changes the game again and begins to bring reflections and a subtle color shift into play along the edges of terrain and water.

Add clouds. Clouds thin, thick, high, low, and hazy change the tone of the image again. Shadows and perspective are altered with each variation.

Adjust sunlight.

Move through terrain and choose view.

Adjust elements.

Quick test render.

Render (partial) to test spacing, lighting, and overall feel.

Render and adjust elements.

Render and refine elements.

Adjust camera position.

Adjust camera height.

Render to adjust overall feel.

Bracket render without clouds.

Bracket render with alternative terrain.

Adjust atmosphere settings.

Quick render to review all elements and overall image before final high resolution render.

Final rendering takes several hours and creates a high resolution image from 12,600 to 22,680 pixels wide by 7,000 to 12,600 in height. This is the production file used for large format archival output on paper and 4K display.