Because so many people still classify Vue as a "landscape" program- they don't yet REALIZE what a revolutionary step the IBL-HDRI renderer is for E-on. It's just NOT your same old Vue anymore....

But even better- its so much more EASY to use as a lighting system once you understand what its doing. You can just "walk around" your model taking digital snap-shots, without having to continuously re-adjust your lighting.

It is UNBELIEVABLY FUN and EASY!

I think there is TONS of commercial potential with this HDRI Photo Studio concept for E-on. Vue will no longer be JUST a landscape program... (It already is MUCH MORE, of course- but I'm just speaking of general "labels" others like to put on things.)

Wow, amazing lightning you have there verytas, could you post a picture of the settings for your HDRI and light setting, please?. Im trying to use them, but not get as good as you. -Vlad

Fantastic work Veritas! Why not share just how easy it is ;). I've tried using my own digi. photos as mapping under HDRI...but the pic ends up getting around 60-70% cut out :(. So if you have a secret...please share :)

Message edited on: 11/02/2004 17:51

Pretty incredible stuff! The 3rd shot down is what got me. Norm

Sorry!!!!! :(. WILL PRINT THIS OUT IMMEDIATELY :(. Guess I've been gazing at the pics too much :(. I'll try & be more ALERT next time, as I've just made to feel like the Nun has slapped my hand with a ruler.

Have you tried using your own photos yet??? If so, how do keep them from getting chopped off???

Message edited on: 11/02/2004 18:23

Attached Link: http://www.renderosity.com/messages.ez?ForumID=12368&Form.ShowMessage=1984961

If you don't understand what HDRI lighting IS- then go to the provided website links and they explain it all in COMPLETE DETAIL. If you need more examples- go to the Dosch website and they will show you TONS of examples of HDR files and how they are used...

It's REALLY VERY SIMPLE... Just read the information, load the HDR file, and make the adjustments. It's 1-2-3...

I would suggest NOT using your own photos for LIGHTING. While, YES, it can be done, regular photos do NOT contain the special lighting characteristics of HDR files. HDR stands for "High Dynamic Range"-- that means they are BEYOND regular 24 bit photos. There is a special process for creating HDR files. Really GREAT HDR cameras, used by professionals, cost around $24,000-$40,000. There are tutorials already on the HDR websites explaining how you can make your own- BUT I don't think you will want to since there are SO MANY GOOD FREE ones to be had... I would suggest you DOWNLOAD some HDR files and play with them using a SIMPLE 3D model- until you understand what the lighting characteristics are...

I guess because I've been a professional photographer- this all just makes perfect sense to me. I don't know how else to explain it...

Yikes on the $$$$. No Veritas, you've explained simply enough.....I've just been so busy lately work/vacation...reading the threads has almost become like looking at a picture book..if you get my drift. I will be sure and pay more attention :( ~sigh~

Attached Link: http://www.doschdesign.com/products/hdri/Chrome_Studio_Effects.html

The other websites are maybe TOO ACADEMIC, perhaps?

This is why I have also been bringing up my HDRI Photo Studio concept for E-on to consider. However- someone who is a modeler-vendor might want to offer their OWN HDRI Photo Studio concept for sale (or give it away- whatever).

If someone can make it MORE SIMPLE--- then fine with me...

Attached Link: http://www.renderosity.com/messages.ez?Form.ShowMessage=1953793

Attached Link: http://www.doschdesign.com/products/hdri/Nature.html

Attached Link: http://www.doschdesign.com/products/hdri/Skies.html

Yes- Agiel, that's a GREAT reference link. Anyone who wants FREE HDR files can get LOTS MORE- and many are VERY GOOD. You don't have to buy the Dosch sets unless you really get SERIOUS about HDRI rendering- which obviously I AM! (heh!)

I'm a real FANATIC when I get into a new subject that fascinates me. ...Sorry to be so EXASPERATED trying to explain this!

I fully understand HDRI Veritas...I just thought there was some hidden secret ~eye roll~. I've already visited & dnld all the freebies & found a free HDRI "making" software out there. I think, its Xiores(correct if wrong), has posted some stunning images in the gallery using his own photos, but he has bought an HDRI software specifically for that purpose, he mentioned it, I made note of it, but trashed all my stickys before I went on vacation. DOH! Veritas..fanatic would not even begin to describe it ;). LOL

Attached Link: http://www.hello-napalm.com/tuts/tut_hdri.html

Attached Link: http://www.andrew-whitehurst.net/hdri_tut.html

Message edited on: 11/02/2004 20:09

Thanks Maxx....very useful data :)

While this DOES make an HDR file- based upon what I've seen, read and tried, the "Do It Yourself" HDR files are not nearly as good as the Professional Grade stuff created with specialized cameras.

A lot of this HDR Free Stuff are older experiments done with the mirrored balls, etc.- but since MANY of these people were basically college students 2-5 years ago using cheap, gardenshop props to validate their HDR theories and develope HDR software--- the NOW PROVEN HDR lighting concepts have spawned a significant HDR business (i.e. Dosch, etc.) and the QUALITY of commercial HDR's are WAY BETTER now.

Sort of like Poser P4 Free Stuff- compared to the kinds of commercial 3D models made now. (Still usable, but a big quality difference. You basically get what you pay for...)

Yep, that's true, Veritas... however, it's worth making your own if you want to do custom composite stuff... like the "robot in your living room" I mentioned as an example. You can basically use a standard photo for the background, and composite your model into the image in post, after it has been rendered with HDRI lighting and reflections created from that exact same room. Makes for convincing results, and is sorta a simplified process of how the pros do it as well. The only real downfall from the do-it-yourself meathod is that a seperate background template must be used for compositing, since the HDR image itself will contain some visual distortion from using a mirrored ball as the source, and might not look good as a high-res backdrop. But the scene lighting and reflections it creates should be perfectly fine for most users.

Note as well the purpose and theory behind IBL (and, therefore, HDRI). It's intended use is to enable improved composition of 3D array information into a live action scene by duplicating the lighting environment of the actual set in the 3D space. No matter how good the results are when using a probe which is not built to the specific envionment, they will always be better when using one which is specific to the environment itself. For example, in post 4, above, the reflection and lighting would look out of place in an indoor setting. That's the power of IBL.

i agree completely with maxmodelz, i love hdri of course and to me the biggest thing with it, is to composite 3d objects in real life environments.

Vue used to be an easy to use application. Now it's even more easy to use ;) The render takes more time that using HDRI and GI etc but the time to setup the scene is so much shorter. I have had very god results with the GI on my Poser models as well. Getting really fantastic skin color as a result. Actually they could just remove the old light button! ;)

(First post here)

Dammnit! you've got me hooked :)
Great renders Veritas.

I don't own Vue 5.....yet, but I've downloaded this post so that when I do, I'll have all your tips and links so I can do my homework :) Great stuff Veritas! :)