SE2 - No More Ms. Nice Guys! by perpetualrevision
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Description
[Please see the description for SE1 - Getting Steamy for background on this series!]
One of the things I’m finding most challenging about this series is finding a balance between lighting that makes sense for the set and lighting that showcases the main characters. For this scene I used the classic 3-point lighting method typically used for portraits (using i13’s Pro Lighting Rig as a starting point), but it kind of bothers me that there are no obvious sources for the light in the scene. I could’ve brought in some light fixture props, of course, but not in a way that would make sense of where the illumination was coming from, not unless heroines like these typically encounter bad guys who just happen to be aiming spotlights at them! So I’ll continue working towards some kind of balance.
I also have to confess to having mixed feelings about featuring guns in a render, even though I enjoy seeing bad ass women in other people’s renders (and on TV). For this scene I used fictional sci-fi weapons and not models of actual guns you might find on the street, so I guess that’s OK! Again, that’s not a commentary on anyone else’s artistic use of guns, just my own thing.
Finally, I realize this one isn’t as much of a "sapphic encounter" as the first in the series, but maybe these two will get a chance later on for a more relaxing second date :-)
Rendered in September 2020 in Poser Pro 11 Firefly at 3200 × 1800 pixels, using direct lighting (3 inverse-linear spotlights and an IBL light) with Depth Cue atmosphere enabled. Postwork in Photoshop (steam and adjustments in Camera Raw plus frame and sig). View full size on my blog.
==CREDITS==
SCENE: Steampunk Towers Construction Kit by coflek-gnorg.
CHARACTER: V4 left: Lady Blaze Steampunk Outfit by Orion1167; Elysa character by Anain; Goldtassel Innocent Hair. V4 right: Steampunk Heroine Outfit by jonnte with Steam for Heroine mats by Sveva; MDD Clarice skin; AprilYSH Xyla Braids hair.
Comments (16)
NobbyC
Great image!!!
artdreamer
Two dangerous women in the picture, beautifully made. Yes, I always hesitate to use weapons in my creations too.
And I still find it difficult to apply light and lighting, but as an artist you can create things that would look different in reality and that's OK.
perpetualrevision
Thanks for the comment! I love having the freedom of artist and not being constrained by the limits of a photographer, so I've never been interested in trying to achieve photorealism in renders. But I apparently have this thing about lights "making sense" in the context of a scene, which I probably picked up from a book on 3D lighting and rendering. I have a few other habits I've picked up (esp. with regard to materials) that come from an "aiming for photorealism" perspective, but I use them in the service of the stylized look I prefer :-)
uncollared
Great characters and posing. The one in the green and blue looks super butch. Well done
perpetualrevision
Thanks! I don't recall what body morphs I used for that character, but I definitely like how her muscular shoulders came out in this scene! (This is not a weight-mapped version of V4, just in case anyone's wondering. I normally use Karina's S-16 version of V4 but haven't been for this series just to cut down on potential problems with clothes fitting.)
eekdog
Alice Cooper would approve of this titled image of his tune. Myself i like weapons in renders mostly. But try and avoid multiple bodies on the ground. Super dynamite duo they are. Perfect for the T.N.A. girls group.
perpetualrevision
I have to confess to being unfamiliar with the Alice Cooper song, as I tend to be clueless about music that isn't classical, but if he would approve, then I'm glad to hear it! I'm sure your cast of characters appreciates knowing you won't leave too many of them scattered on the ground! :-)
mazzam
Three point lighting is generally meant for portraits. Still in stage lighting you usually have light stronger from one side or the other to provide modeling. There is no law that says lighting has to be uniform so with light sources not visible why not add a spotlight or two. In your imagination what is the environment not shown on camera ? What does that tell you about the lighting?
donnena
LIghting big scenes is hard!
you did good!
mtdana
You found a good balance with lighting - the dark textures make is harder too :) Great posing and scene!!!
imagemaker
Excellent scene !!!
Radar_rad-dude
This image turned out quite well! Fine lighting for these two action packed figures. Very nice results!
mmitchell_houston
Another fun steampunk illustration – and this time with real steam! ;-) I agree with the others above: you did a good job with the lighting. There is enough darkness to define the mood, but enough light to see their faces Honestly, I can't tell you how often I get frustrated to see an illustration with a fantastic set-up, only to be marred by neglecting to light the faces properly. Of course, I'm not talking about the times when the artist has the character emerging from shadows like Batman. I'm talking about pure neglect. I'm so glad to see your work doesn't fall into that trap. All in all, this is fun and I get a real sense of personality from these characters. BRAVO!
perpetualrevision
Thanks so much for your thoughtful comments! Much appreciated :-)
anitalee
Excellent
daggerwilldo
It is a wonderful render. I know your cool with other peoples style and your style fits you just fine. Do what you love and you'll do it well.
miwi
Two dangerous women in the image, wonderful work,excellent render!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
tuxedomask
Superb!
MeInOhio
Nice image!
misumu
For some reason I like this is Velma and Daphne. Great scene.