I'm converting from using Poser to D|S and have been unable to figure out how to obtain shadows in my D|S renders.  For example, I am using a scene prop from Topmodel, with the back wall & floor surface reflections set to 100.  I've placed Aiko 3 in my scene with Cast Shadows set to On.  I've experimented with the two Shadow Types "Raytraced" and "Deep Shadow Map,"  all to no avail. I've also experimented with using various light setups from 5 lights to one light.  Still no luck.

Can someone give me a clue to the secret of Shadows in Daz Studio?

Mari-Anne

Normaly the Deep Shadow Map on the main light is enough, just make sure the light is at the right angle to cast the shadow and the other lights shadows are off. The surface reflections should be
at  0 - 40 depending on the object unless you are trying to make a mirror.
Check the angle of the light casting the shadow

Ahhhhh - Eureka!  That was it!  The angle of the light was not correct in my first attempts.  Also, I changed the Render Settings (Advanced) to use the Open GL Shader with 2 passes per light.  Do you think that was another reason my shadows didn't show up?

Mari-Anne

Naw the samples I put up
were a quick render, nothen fancy
of course I could go check my settings.
But I bet it was the angle a lot of people forget
to check that.

You've made this novice very happy, Lighthorse.  Thanks lots and lots!

Yo, Lighthorse - while I have your ear so to speak, here's a question for you:

I've been toying with the idea of purchasing some Light package such as UberEnvironment Light Shader or Studio LightPro/LE.  Do you think either would be beneficial to a novice or might they be "above my head?"  I realize that might be a judgmental question but give it your best shot?  Which of the three would you recommend?

You might look at getting a one month subscription to DreamLight Lounge http://www.dream-lounge.com/  They have a bunch of tutorials (video) specifically for DS, Post work and other things.  They also have a free light pack you can get there as well.

Quote - You might look at getting a one month subscription to DreamLight Lounge http://www.dream-lounge.com/  They have a bunch of tutorials (video) specifically for DS, Post work and other things.  They also have a free light pack you can get there as well.

Sounds like a great idea - thanks a bunch for the tip,

Mari-Anne

Mari-Anne, this a very personal point of vision, but before using any plug-ins like the Uber-series or Dreamlight, try to learn the bases of lightning. That will help you with this products.

Just google for lightning tips for photographers, these apply as well to 3D. You may set up your own studio without having to buy expensive stuff like in real life! ;)

The shader lights, such as the Uber-whatevers, have to be used with the 3Delight render engine rather than any OpenGL setting.

Thanks to Akhbour & RHaseltine for your wise advice,

Mari-Anne

Quote - Yo, Lighthorse - while I have your ear so to speak, here's a question for you:

I've been toying with the idea of purchasing some Light package such as UberEnvironment Light Shader or Studio LightPro/LE.  Do you think either would be beneficial to a novice or might they be "above my head?"  I realize that might be a judgmental question but give it your best shot?  Which of the three would you recommend?

I have to agree with Akhbour, I have both and use them but alot of times I set my own one at a
time to get what I want,  you really need to play with the lighting and gain an understanding
of how it works before you dive into the lighting plug ins. Don't get me wrong they will help.
But with a little practice you can gain the same effects.

K

And by understanding how they work and your knowledge of lightning you will get even better results with them, since you will be able to tweak them for your actual  scene.

When I started with D|S, I spent hours rendering a nude V3 in default pose with one light, two lights, three lights .... changing the position of the lights, the colour, the power ...

In short, I did all these things I could not do in real life when I spent most of my free time behind my Canon T90.

You're all correct - practice makes perfect - although in my case "perfect" is too strong a word.  But I am having fun playing around with lights.  Found a Volumetric Lights tutorial to which I added another light and tweaked a bit.   Thanks again to all for sharing your wisdom.