help with lighting a subway scene
polycounter lvl 9
hi guys im making a subway scene for my portfolio, im having a little trouble with the lighting, for right now i just have point lights set up where i have the lights in the scene, but not at every light, it seems a bit bland though, i want to try to get some dynamic contrast anyone have any tips or tutorials i can check out to help me with this?
Replies
Somebody posted a nice little mini tutorial on polycount from the work they did as a world builder at 38 Studios on Project Copernicus. I can't find it though, but try to search for it.
A tip, if you are not experienced with it, dont limit yourself with tiny texture sizes.
Use higher res textures, DO higher res textures. Edge highlighting is vital, drybrushing. Get Ambient occlusion running in your scene. Search some tutorials for light settings. Also uncolored lights look bad in nearly every case. Give them colors, be it blue, red or yellow tones or whatever.
If you take many lights, make sure only a couple cast shadows. Often is 1 or 2 enough. Also usually are compelemtary lights used. Orange >< Blue per example
Here's the link to my post:
http://jcricreate.blogspot.com/2013/03/tutorial-lighting-workflow-tips.html
I'll do a little critique for you tomorrow with a possible paint over, I'm on an iPad and kinda suck at typing. Brief critique would tell you to focus on mood and go from there. Contrast can be pushed as things seem a little washy and flat (the ambience in some areas is much too bright). Establishing key focal points and colors to drive the scene psychologically would help too.I'll get to a computer and give you a better rundown. If you're up for it, post your unlit and lighting only shots too so we can critique a little better.
-Jon
In my opinion,if you struggle to light the whole thing,start of with just a small part of it,like one small corner or passageway,or maybe just the railway and tunnel part.Start with a completely black scene and create one light that you tweak on colour values and strength/shape,once its to your liking,duplicate it and place it at similar spots(albeit with minor changes).This way you build your lighting up so the end result is balanced and lights are only placed where they are needed.
Keep it up!