Samurais - Trying to use characters in my environments
polycounter lvl 4
[Made in UE4 - real time 3D environment] Hey there, I've been working on this scene for a little while and I'd like to have your opinion on lighting and composition, basically the big picture. I'm however happy to get any feedback on details and the little things (specific props etc.). I reached the point where I can't really tell what to do next and might have looked at it for too long. The characters and the dead tree are straight out of the asset store and megascans. Just tweaked their poses and material parameters. The rest is a mix of reworked megascan assets and home made stuff. It's the first time I take a shot at doing something with characters, so don't hesitate if anything is bothering regarding this specific aspect of the scene. I also wanted to try working in black and white versions for each shot as well. Lately, the design aspect of things an the idea of justifying every choice is something I've been having a bit of confusion with, so if there is anything specific to tell about this, I'd be happy to read it! Thank you!
Replies
the 3rd image would probably work better if it was a bit more forward facing honestly, I feel like the characters are getting a bit lost in the scenery especially in the black and white one from that angle the grass at the top left looks a bit odd with how flat it is from a top angle. you should probably change the levels for that image to improve the black and white version
I really like the grit on the first and last images though, the monochrome versions are really striking in those 2.
@carvuliero thanks. Just to clarify, the vertical lines you are talking about are the left and right trees in the first image and the two men on the second image? And in the last case, the fact that the armored skirt has a different angle than the torso armor is what bothers you?
I forgot to precise in the description that the first shot pictures a triumphant daimyo allowing the defeated one to commit seppuku after his army lost the battle, hence the dead men on the floor (the color of the skirt of the one about to commit seppuku should probably be more close to the one of the dead men to make it more clear that they are enemies maybe?)
with the second image, I acted a bit more free with the whole storytelling part, trying to make it more like a movie/advertisement poster, if that makes any sense.
I understand for the last one as well. The placement is a bit random and I experimented with lighting and composition, approaching it a bit like a still life without symbolism, if that's a valid perspective. Thanks for the movie tip as well, I'll watch it.
Also, out of curiosity and just for the sake of understanding what you mean in order to improve, would you consider a painting like this one to kill all believability as well because there are vertical lines -which would be the trees if I understood you correctly- on both sides of the frame? Thanks again