How make a pile of rocks?

I've been working with FF for a few days, but now I'm stumped.

I'm trying to create a height filter that emulates a pile of rocks, similar to these photos:
http://www.cgtextures.com/getfile.php...HPSESSID1=
http://www.cgtextures.com/getfile.php...HPSESSID1=

I can get fairly close in terms of overall shape, but I can't seem to get beyond a basic amount of extrusion for the height field. If I try to get extreme cuts like those between the rocks, then the surfaces of the rocks become too high-frequency.

The best I have so far is just not great. Stones with Bias Profile, through a Distortion to break up the linear edges, Levels to maximize the range, then into the Height channel. I've tried a High Pass intermediary, but that's not great either.

Maybe someone has some tips?

The FF filter has not yet been submitted I am still trying to speed it up somehow...But here it is, maybe get some ideas from this...

Rocky Marble.ffxml

Nice filter CFandM, i don't think it looks like a pile of rocks though, maybe we would need some semi 3d based modules for stuff like that although some stuff already looks 3d but as far as i know thats just the lighting?

if you havent already, try adding HDRI lighting to the filter. you can often get more depth that way. you might also try adding a levels component and adjust the black and white points.

attached is an image from a filter i made. it's not refined for just this look, but i might be able to make an offshoot filter to create just this type effect. i call this one a rock face image. i can also do mud and some other rock with this.

Craig

I think it's severely awesome to use textures for purposes they originally weren't intended for, but look so *right*... Kraelin's example looks to me like a sandy sort of blanket. I could also imagine it used in fantasy contexts.

Eric Chadwick would it be possible for you to show how you got those rock textures?

It would be cool if Kraelin showed how he got his too. (the one above)


Thanks!

Hello sYnergy and welcome to the fun. You can find Eric Chadwicks texture here.
http://www.filterforge.com/filters/1543.html

crash!