Thanks for reading this post.

I believe a really important point was made in another post by jenujacob in response to a rendering topic and anyone seeking to improve the look of a rendered model.

Not that I'm an expert in SU, but I do know what he [jenujacob] was talking about in saying... "perhaps the most difficult of all things [in rendering a model] is lighting... u get the lighting rite.. then ur unstoppable!"

If my own experiences are anything to go by - discovering and falling smitten with SU as a newbie - soon after dipping your toes into the water, you'll be hankering to render models you have created.

Becoming an expert in lighting techniques (overnight) is a tall (nigh impossible) order.

However, I've found real value in listening to others.

One of the best "lighting" methodologies, lighting philosophy reference (book) I have found is "Masters of Light" Conversations with Contemporary Cinematographers.

It's a 'journey' so it's not an immediately practical reference point. However it's superb reading - into the minds of the artistic and practiced thoughts / suggestions by contemporary greats on the disciplines of filmmaking / cinema illumination.

I highly recommend anyone seeking to improve the appearance of their modeling to embrace the disciplinary comments and ideology and techniques of such cinematographers and photographic masters.

I'm sorry I don't have more 'practical' references, books / materials to point towards (most of my experience has incorporated being mentored) but alas I'll seek to dig some things out and getz back to ya.

ITMT, what's your favorite lighting reference points? Who's your "Master" someone you admire who you'd love to encapsulate (or rip off ) i.e the mood or 'magic' that they've created or the technique they've pioneered or utilized which inspires?

'Film noir' (a favorite genre for me) uses 'chiaroscuro' lighting techniques a lot (contrast between light and dark) to evoke bold impressions in image making.

Cheers,

Film

I'm hearing ya.... (pmiller, paul R, Jon Wood...) KISS "Keep It Simple Stupid."

Thanks for the assistance with direction.

I agree avoiding 'realism' is the safe bet (under the circumstances) and committing to delivering accurate dimensions, flat colors etc.

I especially like the suggestion from PR... "dirty great arrow pointing at a window with the word "SUNLIGHT" on it and leave the interpretation to the lawyers."

I'll be keen to post some models and intend to do so. If they don't try and hush me.

Thanks guys.

Soon...

Film

@tobobo said:

Film,

My firm does some public enquiry work for sensitive construction projects. In this work we some times have to produce photomontages and also 3D visuals. In the UK there is best practice guidelines on what level of zoom and type of camera used for the montages.

Tobobo,

Yes. It's certainly an interesting project and thank you for your reply. A bit of brain drain from the day and soon to crash but I'll certainly consider your reply with more thought more tomorrow.

Guidelines? The UK? Similar type (legal) districts. Can you point me towards them please? Are they publically available?

Best of..

Film

@remus said:

what do you want the model to show? is it just the layout of the studio or do you want to try and get a feel for the atmosphere?

if its just the layout, id model the studio as accurately as possible and then cut away the top surface and 2 walls. Id have thought this would give a good idea of the layout.

Yep. Good idea. cut away the top surface and 2 walls.

It would be a consultation to 'recreate' atmosphere as it is the 'confinement' of a studio mixed with the business of the studio which will tell the "story."

Unfortunately, it is a serious matter Remus. Sadly, about workplace bullying leading to assault of adolescents by a boss when elder workers apparently stood by (not literally but know of) assaults happening. So there is importance in getting any recreation within a tolerance that The Powers That Be would accept.

Certainly a cutaway will assist in showing the space and I've noted your suggestion.

Hey Gaieus,

Are you not involved with the kerkythea rendering engine? If so Kudos to you!

I would certainly like to post some images of the model being work upon. Or any reference points. But alas there are legal issues I am yet to fully understand.

It's early days in terms of the court proceeding date, so I may have a chance to show the project as it evolves. I certainly hope so.

My real conundrum / dilemma is that anglo law in my country is an "adversarial" system. It is not an "inquisitorial" system. Such as is the case in some or most european law.

That basically means, in an adversarial system ANYTHING can be attacked. As the "system" is not about "TRUTH FINDING" it is about who "ARGUES" the best.

That is why I'm concerned for delivering a representation of the 'space' that is something that cannot be really "attacked." Or in other words, that stands alone in representing what the recreation of the space is. In an 'un-bias' way. (It's a murky area - as what is "un-bias" anyways?)

Ideally, photorealism (in as accurate a form as possible) in "showing/recreating" the space would be perfect. But alas, my skills are not there yet and I probably need to find a style or output which says this is an accepted 'neutral' style. Or a style that is considered a "standard" in the industry / community of 3d graphics incl. SU.

At the very least, if I am able to output either directly from SU or to use a rendering program to achieve a 'standard' output, I will at the least be able to say to the legal reps, this is considered a 'standard' output / render.

If I may ask a more specific question, assuming you do have involvement in Kerkythea for instance, what it is that determines what the default settings for a standard preset in a (Kerkythea) rendering engine anyways?

Thanks for your interest in my post.

I will endeavor to see if I am able to post the model or reference pics on the web to help better illuminate my topic.

Cheers,

Film

Gday,

Thanks for reading this (my first) post.

Been admiring the passion and friendly manner on these boards for about a month or so since discovering.
ONYA! (Aust. slang for good on you!)

My name is Film. I'm considered a bit of a dinosaur to some, but I've still got a lot to offer

I'm involved with (insert serious tone) a legal project and without getting too far into gruesome details (spare you the burden) I'm recreating an "environment" (interior space) for what is "factual" purposes.

My question is how do I avoid any pernicious (harmful) interpretations from legal (bleeps) who may 'attack' the model as in - that the "environment / space" has been "interpreted" in it's presentation with bias?

I'm mindful it's a tough case, there is a "vigorous" defense involved and ANY probable perception of styling anomaly will probably be challenged. (The accuracy of the models dimensions etc. will not be in issue).

The space is a small television station. It's a bit of a conundrum for me as TV stations have lotsa lighting and the facts of the matters are there is real drama in the substance of the case and the temptation is to "add" drama in such things as lighting. Yet courts like things to be 'sanitized.' Void of any tainting / coloring.

I can see there is real inherit value of using (navigating) a 3D model in the type / case and the consequent output (printing of images) of the model will include people in particular positions - hard to "reconstruct" in a TV show style 'reconstruction' sense (even though my day job is as a D.O.P - director of photography) as there is no budget. It's not practical to acquire extensive photos either as there is no prolonged access to the space.

So how would you present your interpretation of the recreation of the space (interior) for a legal matter in a safe and literally unbiased way?

I have considered straight output from the SU model using simple grayscale tones or light pastel shadings or b/w line drawings of the surfaces / materials. Or ambient occlusion / clay rendering to simulate a real world type "model" effect. Yet, it would be of help to capture some "atmosphere" as there is considerable lighting originating within a TV station.

What would you do? What's the safe bet?

I would include some images of the model to date, for your thoughts, but it's NQTY (not quite there yet) to feel comfy about showing and there may indeed be legal issues in doing so. Dunno!

Anyways, thanks again for reading this post.

Cheers,

Film