Ok, Ive been doing some reading on HDR and I am intrigued by the prospects of it. However, I feel a tad in the dark as to how to use them. I've downloaded HDR files, but I see now way to bring them into Bryce. I use ,Terragen, Vue d'Esprit 4.11 and Bryce 5.01 and don't see hdr as an option anywhere. Or is HDR only for programs like 3DS Max,Lightwave and so forth? Im not worried about making HDR, Im worried about using them to render with. Thanks for any help.

Bryce doesn't do true HDRI but the same effect can be acheived by faking it in Bryce. Create a shpere and make sure it encases your entire scene (most like using a size of about 2000+ cubed). Now apply your HDRI image (also known as a light probe) as a texture to the sphere, put a marble in both the diffusion and ambience color in the material editor and make diffusion and ambience 100. You can also make it slightly transparent if you want an outside light source to cast shadows on the scene. Objects in the scene with reflection applied to them will be lit by the reflection of the image of the sphere.

You said "Now apply your HDRI image" How can I do this? I do not see an option for using HDR format in Bryce 5?

Convert it to a jpeg/Tiff/bmp using HDRShop or another program. More posts on HDRI http://www.renderosity.com/messages.ez?Form.ShowMessage=1078758 ^ These were crappy renders though. And didn't use any lights. http://www.renderosity.com/messages.ez?Form.ShowMessage=1074620 Basically a hdri image is mapped onto the inside of the sphere to simulate an environment.

Yeah, sorry forgot that part. The image has to be converted to .jpg or something that Bryce can use as a texture.

ok, now wuts the point of HDR?? i cant quite figure that part out...

Call me silly, but if I convert a HDR to JPG won't I be lossing the point of HDR? HDR stores more info than a conventional image correct? I mean Im not trying to be a pain, just understand. If I convert a HDR to a standard format wouldn't I get the same effect of wrapping a picture map around a globe?

Which is exactly what you have to do in bryce. As I said bryce doesn't do HDRI it can only fake it. Technically he only thing we are doing in Bryce are reflection maps. Only high-end programs like 3DMax can use HDRI.

Now if you use true ambience on the globe, it will really act like true hdri...because it will cast lights...i will have to try this tomorrow.

The only attribute that real hdri's have that Bryce cannot work around is the fact that hdr's contain more color information than a bmp, jpg, etc. But, what Bryce directly benefit's from is the realistic reflections, and when the light probe is illuminated from the outside in, you will get realistic lighting setups. AgentSmith

Max, it does, to a degree... a very very fine degree... True ambience doesn't take enough light from the scene for it to be believable.

In the end you have to use some lights. =/

Attached Link: http://www.renderosity.com/viewed.ez?galleryid=252175&Start=1&Artist=AgentSmith&ByArtist=Yes

Attached Link: http://www.renderosity.com/messages.ez?Form.ShowMessage=775196

Oh, man...do I remember that thread, lol. I'm writing a basic, overall tutorial on this whole thing. Something to get the beginner up and running on doing this. I'll work on getting it done this week, and post it up in the forum. "Bryce And HDR For Dummies" AgentSmith

AgentS, I am currently developing a similar site. "Bryce GI and Radiosity techniquies." Also a general "what is HDRI< GI, and Radiosity?" If you want I can host your page for you---> http://www.renderring.com/global will be the directory it is in when i'm done with it.

you screwed up somehow! (And Don't Blame Me!!!) Thats what I got when I went to that URL Madmax.. lol I like the goathead dude. hehe

The tutorials I'm working on Renderosity wants, so I'll have them here, but thanks though! AS

yeah JD there's nothing there yet...that's just where they WILL be...lol Sorry about the confusion.

Bryce and HDR for Dummies! LOL I like it! Kinda catchy! I believe it would be easier to read a small tutorial than have to dig through that marathon thread, can't wait to see the finished tute! Feel free to use my Bryce/HDR Image from that thread as an example if you want. Now if we can get the Bryce render engine to be a teensy bit Faster! :p TMG