Author of the model:
Jan Mokrzecki
Software: 3ds max (Vray), Nuke
Hardware: Q6600@2.4, RAM limit 2.5G
Render time for all passes: ~15-20 min
To learn new software, I wanted to compose a 3D object into a photo. I tried to find similar solutions, which I already knew from Maya(mental-ray) and After-Effects, and optimize rendering times appropriate for commercial post-production.
The whole background with the ground is a fragment of HDR which I used for IBL (the one and only source of light is lightDome with HDR).