Basic workflow for interior scene (newbie question)

[andyH]

Hi everyone, I am hoping some of the more experienced members can help me out here with some advice.

 

I am working on an interior render, its not a commercial venture as I am just learning, so its really just a practice scene but I just cant seem to get the lighting right. I get that I am supposed to tweak, render and that a lot of trial and error is expected, but I am sure it shouldnt be this hard

 

My questions,

 

For a typical daylight interior scene using mental ray (I dont own vray) where the sunlight is not shining directly into the space through windows or openings, what is a good starting point for lighting? Should I still be using daylight system? or perhaps skylight and mr sky portals? And given the most appropriate lighting system, what exposure controls should partner with it?

 

When you have your scene modeled do you light then texture? or texture then light? I guess I am asking for the most effective workflow or logical when considering lighting a scene, my gut instinct is to light then texture, but I am always too eager to texture and usually end up texturing first.

 

My WIP is also suffering from some odd areas where FG/GI seems to be confused, in particular there are some reflections (from wood trim with arch paint eggshell material) that seem too bright for the conditions, almost like they are receiving direct sunlight when they are not. And, my white ceiling shows as grey when rendered, I dont think its coulour bleed, it looks like it has just not received enough light. I am sure this is because during my tweaking I have changed many many things, and as I have no clue what I am doing I expect I have some parameters set to something daft, so a good lighting best practices and step by step workflow would be helpful.

 

Thanks in advance.

[KIT]

When you have your scene modeled do you light then texture? or texture then light? I guess I am asking for the most effective workflow or logical when considering lighting a scene, my gut instinct is to light then texture, but I am always too eager to texture and usually end up texturing first.

 

I light then texture, then adjust the lighting. I find that if I go the other way around it's hard to tell if the lighting is correct. Setting up the lights on a "neutral" environment makes it easier to balance the different sources.

 

Also, you should post some images of what you have so far, that way it will be easier to give advice.

[andyH]

Thanks KIT, when I get home I will post an image. I actually have a number of questions about this particular WIP, so perhaps I can post it and ask more specific questions.