Lighting is fundamental in any 3D art project you work on. At the most basic level, it’s a way of making objects visible. But cinematographers will tell you how lighting is much more.
Lighting enables you to bring mood to a piece and set the tone. It allows you to subtly manipulate the viewer to look where you want them to. It is also a way to elevate your work out of the 3D realm, giving the warmth of an oil painting or the feel of a photograph.
And if you are modelling a real-world object – such as the highly desirable Porsche Legend 964, here – it is essential you get the lighting correct if you are to stand any chance of achieving a photorealistic finish. (If you want to work with this car, download your 140MB resource files here).
Read on to discover some key lighting techniques that will quickly improve your work.
Tips included in the article
- Gather multiple references
- Use masks to light models
- Build a compelling composition
- Add drama with strong contrast
- Experiment with lenses
- Position the main light
- Build up your light
- Clean up in compositing
- Use effects to direct the viewer’s gaze
- Add selective highlights
- Light multiple materials
- Light a scene
