Hello all,

A quick question to those in the know but is there a definitive solution to achieving nice lighting to the underside of ceilings in interior renders that is not, what I would call, cheating (ie adding lights specifically to uplight) ?

I have a project, an atrium, where I’ve set a sunlight, an adaptive skylight map, GI on the outside of the building. And then internally I have a set of lights providing additional downward illumination in the space. I had thought that with 2 bounces set that these additional lights would be bounced sufficiently to uplight the ceilings - I’m not looking for bright ceilings, just a natural looking reflected light. It is a tall atrium (4 storeys or about 8500 scene units tall) so maybe I’m expecting too much of the light to travel.

Just wondered if there was a bone fide way of making this look right ?

My solution currently (for my deadline has passed and I needed a result) was to add a parallel uplighter to the scene to lift the ceilings to a reasonable level, which is okay but has given me a very flat shading which is a little unrealistic. I’ve tried pointing an exclusive parallel light upwards but that seems to have no effect - guess I’ll play with the settings on that one as I’m sure it should do something.

But if there is a solution that someone has worked out - or indeed there is a photon mapping plugin in the offing (hee hee) then it would be nice to know.

Thanks in advance for any assistance.

James

Hi James,

Any chance we could see a picture of that?

Without Photon Mapping (he says, whistling innocently), there have to be some fakes involved… I occasionally use an uplighting illumination dome, and it is also possible to remove the ground and render (so sky light will enter through the bottom of the scene and light the ceiling) then mix the two renders to taste…

Anyway, I could suggest more after seeing your pic.

Hope all is well!
Ian

Hi, James

GeordieJames - 19 June 2008 09:09 AM

But if there is a solution that someone has worked out - or indeed there is a photon mapping plugin in the offing (hee hee) then it would be nice to know.

We like plugs and shaders but ..some things should be in host For indoor illumination features you ask - a normal, solid implementation will come in v8. That’s all we can say now

Hi Igors

Saying that is enough to make me quiver with anticipation for v8. Good luck !

James

Ian, I will post an image at some point - just waiting for the okay from the client, they can be sensitive don’t you know.

Indeed I do! On the 26th I’ll be posting my newest image, it’s already on my website but I’m not making a fan fare about it until the shortlist for the competition into which it has been entered is announced (at the client’s request).

Ian