mike's shark
 

Hi Mike,

Liked your shark tutorial - gave me a chance to use some new tools. I'm in the process of working out a shader. Reference material that I've found seems to be mixed. The shark
seems to have a very hard rough surface that shimmers in direct light. The rest is more diffused, almost velvety like. I thought you might have some experience with sharks and was wondering if you had any ideas on this.

cheers!
/matt

I don't really have much experience with marine life, unfortunately, but from what little I think I know ;) I believe the skin of sharks is a bit leathery, almost like a hide. Might want to look it up at scientific sites that know more than me, though. :)

Thanks Mike,

I think you're right about the hide. Ever written a shader for glitter?

/matt

Why not take a trip to the local aquarium and have a really good look. If you can chat to the staff there, they may give you some ideas about what makes up the skin, how flexible it is etc.

Or take a look at wetpixel or rodales. Wetpixel is the leading site on underwater digital photography. Rodales also has a great forum where you can find divers posting their links. Sharks would look different underwater than on land due to the way light is filtered at various depths.