How to improve the look of a 3ds max scene?

Question

3D

I am attaching renders of pine trees. Do not look at the surroundings of the scene, the goal is to get high-quality pine. The main thing I don't like is the lack of obvious shadows, the pines look flat and not natural, all the branches merge and it is impossible to see individual shoots. How can this be fixed? I want to make the shadows more pronounced and the light stand out.
And another question, not so important, but I would also like to know. I saw somewhere that you can render light separately, separately shadows and highlights separately, etc. in 3d max, so that later it would be more convenient to edit and add effects. How can I do that?

Answer 1

You have overexposure on stage. Try dimming the lights a little. Again, you have a pine tree without a root system . Well, in general, it is difficult to perceive the scene in one pine tree. Well, how if you cram around objects, then everything will turn out realistically?
UPD: It's hard to see in the small picture, but as for me, the texture of the bump barrel is not enough.