simulate light coming from window

[erona]

How do I simulate light coming in from a window without the use of GI?

[ipxstudios]

Why would you want to do it without GI? If you are using V-ray you place a light (plane) at the window and adjust the output. Under rendering/environment you can adjust the amount of particulate you want in the air so you can see the light filter into the room (you can do this with max lights too).

[edub]

create an area light the size of your window opening, and place it just outside the glass. This will simulate the ambient light from surroundings. Add infinite lightsource as sun casting shadows at whatever angle you prefer. If you need additional interior lighting, you could use omnis with falloff to create the simulation of reflected light in the interior space.

 

The key here, as in simulation, is to mimic the way light behaves naturally. Since you can't use GI to do the calculations for you, you're basically just simulation, in as simple of a manner possible.

 

Hope this helps - I'm sure someone more qualified than me could give a better description.

[erona]

@ipxstudios - I was simply trying to avoid long render times with GI. With GI enabled, my test renders finish around 15 mins while without it, a measley 1.5mins

 

@edub - exactly what I am doing but I still can't make it look like natural. btw, I also wanted to have strong light casting off from the window.

[erona]

here's what i am working on right now.