dramatic lighting

[NOOXY]

i've posted a few images here at cgarchitect but one of my more frquent criticsms is that i need " more dramatic lighting in my scene"

 

i use cinema4d for my rendering and a basic sky and spot light for my exterior scences...my question is what other lighting techniques do you guys use to get that extra flare and realism in uall scenes..mine seems just a bit flat for me...any sugesstions will be most welcomed..

 

thanks

[mbr]

I don't think it's the lighting setup as much as the artist's eye. I struggle with that too. Best thing to do (in any creative field) is to study the best. Look at the recent competition images, some are just amazing!

 

Contrast seems to be the issue I have a hard time over coming. It's too easy with GI and computers to evenly light everythign, but in reality there is a lot of contrast. Study the images and guess where they are doing post work and where it is rendered, this'll help you break up the process.

 

It seems easier than it is.

[STRAT]

yup. all in the lighting and contrast. this'll come in time m8. practice and experience.

 

i use allot of infill omnis too. this helps beautifully with radiosity and gi (as we all know kids, 2 separate things ). also take a look at material properties - ie, saturation levels, gi recieve levels etc.

 

and dont be afraid of doing post photoshop work to enhance your imagery.

[skala67]

I know the problem I had in the beginning was letting things that are going to be dark, be dark. If you go out in the "real world" take a look at the bright spots and dark spots. You'll be surprised at how strong that contrast really is. When viewing on screen it is just the tendency to wash these areas out so we can see the detail. Dont be afraid to let things be dark and bright, as long as your main focus of your image is clear. I have started achieving good exterior results by using a sky HDR in the luminance channel for the sky and a single omni light with area shadows, making sure that the HDR acts as only atmosphere and not as the main light source. I think v.9.5 has built in skies that may help us all with the contrast problem. dont know if i really even said anything here, but i hope it helps. (back to sleep)