Hey all, another basic question. Here's the scenario. I load a figure...delete all lights... add a "studio" light setup that I download from rdna... then I get a totally washed out and over-exposed crappy render. If I turn down the intensity of most of the lights, I start to get something. I have (by accident) been able to make some incredibly photo realistic renders of figures by getting just the right lighting. What am I doing wrong and how can I create photorealism by adjusting the lighting? Thanks!

For indoor shots I usually use one spotlight centered but slightly offset as my main
or Key light.  This one I have set to cast shadows and the intensity is at 90%.
I tweak its location to get the shadow to fall where I want it.
Then I add a point light high and to the left of the scene as my side light.
No shadows and intensity at around 30 to 40%.  And lastly I have a fill light
low and to the right of my scene.  No shadows and also 30 to 40% intensity.

For outdoor shots I use one light set to IBL with ambient occlusion and
one spot light to cast a shadow.  I locate the spot light again depending
on where I want the shadow to fall.

thanks, I'm going to use that as a starting point and then save them. I appreciate the clear instructions. I over use the expression, "it's not rocket science" but this poser stuff does feel like "rocket science" I guess that's what keeps it interesting. Thanks again.

lighting is a major item in Poser. You can get dramatic differences in renders with very small changes in light positioning and intensity.

Many of the photography referances on lighting will apply more or less to poser .

Quote - Many of the photography referances on lighting will apply more or less to poser .

Except photographers adjust the camera to the lighting, Posers can only adjust the lighting.

Always seems a bit wrong - don't you think?

Rô

another tip is to only have 1 light on at a time, that way you can really see what it's lighting up and what it isn't. turn on your main, then slowly bring everybody else up.

Additionally, the lights themselves are only part of the equation. You also need to set up the materials if you really want to get as close to photorealism as possible in Poser.

ropeypopey: Actually there are a number of ways that poser cameras can be adjusted:

Focal length,  Focus distance,  "F" stop,  Shutter open,  Shutter close, Yon and Hither

Quote - ropeypopey: Actually there are a number of ways that poser cameras can be adjusted: Focal length,  Focus distance,  "F" stop,  Shutter open,  Shutter close, Yon and Hither

Agreed. But, and please correct me if I'm wrong, none of these will allow you to adjust for the lights.
My candidate would have been "F" stop but this doesn't lighten / darken anything.

    Focal length,  Focus distance,  "F" stop: -> Depth of Field;
    Shutter open,  Shutter close: -> Motion blur;
    Yon and Hither: -> Far and near cut-off planes in preview.

I just use a couple of tiny Python scripts that I wrote (Lights 10% up / down)

Rô

Ah! I see where you were coming from now, I stand corrected!

I have to admit I just adjust the lighting intensity by hand!

tomassosan: a couple of questions...

1. Which version of Poser are you using?
2. Which version of Poser were the lights created for?

The reason I ask is it seems to me that different versions of Poser react to lights somewhat differently (especially between sets created for P4/ProPack and P5/6). At least, that's what I've found.. (mostly).

So any additional info would help...

Cheers,
Diolma

Thanks to everyone for all the responses. I tried fazeel's formula and have had INCREDIBLE results. I have to admit that instead of using a spot light for the first light I used an infinite light set at about 80-85% intensity. The other two lights are as he recommended except that I have them at about 20%. Some of the renders are fantastic. I can see texture and fine detail. I had no idea poser was capable of this. Is there anyway to post a photo in my replies?

Quote - Thanks to everyone for all the responses. I tried fazeel's formula and have had INCREDIBLE results. I have to admit that instead of using a spot light for the first light I used an infinite light set at about 80-85% intensity. The other two lights are as he recommended except that I have them at about 20%. Some of the renders are fantastic. I can see texture and fine detail. I had no idea poser was capable of this. Is there anyway to post a photo in my replies?

Glad I could help.

To add a picture just click on [Browse...]  right above [Post Reply]
Then in the pop-up window just go to the directory you picture
is in and click on your file.   Be aware the Renderosity limits
your file size to under 200 Kbytes, so if your picture is larger
you have to reduce its size and/or resolution.