September 2013 NEW USER Contest WIP Thread

JaderailJaderail Posts: 0

September 2013 NEW USER Contest WIP Thread.

Sponsored by DAZ3D

Welcome to the monthly NEW Users render contest. Are you new to the 3D World? Are you at the beginning stages of learning 3D art? Have you been around for a little bit but feel you could benefit from some feedback or helpful instruction? Have you been around awhile and would like to help other members start their creative journey's into 3D? Well then come and join the fun as we host our newest contest for this month...
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MOOD LIGHTING, Capture the viewers eye with just the lighting in the image.

This months THEME is open ended. Any render you wish to make is OKAY for this contest, the STAR of this month's contest will be the lighting you use and how well the lighting is used to set the mood in the render. What? you say, here this is what we mean.

Sci-Fi renders- You love to do science fiction, do it. A hologram that lights the render will be awesome or other sc-fi stuff.
Fantasy renders- Is that dragon and wizard having a full on fight? The fire and magic tossed around would look so cool.
Horror renders- Creepy up lit creeps? Spooky just enough light to see the evil coming? That has our attention too.
Everyday renders- City scene in mid afternoon? See those great shadows and fill light to soften the dark places, that's great.
Love Scene renders- candle lit dinner for two? Man, I need to do one of those, I love low lighting and great expressions.
Other renders- yes anything you can dream up as long as the lighting is used to MAKE the render speak to the viewer.

For help this month we offer a Quick link to all the old WIP threads from the past. Here is the Master List, you will find help on lighting, posing and other useful render tips in many of the older contests. They are one of the best places for new users to start if you ask me. Not that you did...

I will be checking in on the THIS THREAD as will the rest of the Community Volunteers to try and help with anything you all may need, or to give you any hints and tips you can use if you have more questions or wish for others to give their view on your renders.

The Entries Thread for this Month can be found HERE.

For a list of the current contest rules, please see this thread: New User Contest Rules
Contest Close Date September 30, 2013
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For those veterans of the forums that would like to help, because this contest is designed for the beginner to learn from, we will be randomly selecting posts offering helpful tips and/or critiques to receive a special voucher as well so whether you are a seasoned artist or an aspiring one, there is fun for everyone!

Post edited by Jaderail on
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Comments

  • Kismet2012Kismet2012 Posts: 4,252
    edited December 1969

    Not sure if this is too much mood and not enough lighting. I used the DAZ 4.6 Pro Public Beta version.

    Title: MIdnight Snack

    Midnight_Snack_7.jpg
    565 x 800 - 120K
  • keshkesh Posts: 0
    edited December 1969

    Kismet: i like the concept a lot, the side by side soft on black and outline/effigie works quite well. My only critic regards the 'mood' thing, as i can't really associate the scene with any particular emotion/mood (also, before reading the title i thought the character was carrying a laptop ^^)

  • JaderailJaderail Posts: 0
    edited September 2013

    Not sure if this is too much mood and not enough lighting. I used the DAZ 4.6 Pro Public Beta version.
    I like the concept but as noted above think different here. Maybe seeing the edge of the door and a bit of a better pose. Then a little work on the lighting. It can go far this Idea but this is a good wip.
    Post edited by Jaderail on
  • Kismet2012Kismet2012 Posts: 4,252
    edited December 1969

    kesh said:
    Kismet: i like the concept a lot, the side by side soft on black and outline/effigie works quite well. My only critic regards the 'mood' thing, as i can't really associate the scene with any particular emotion/mood (also, before reading the title i thought the character was carrying a laptop ^^)

    I think it is the handle on the door of the fridge that is giving you the impression of a laptop. The fridge door got very washed out.

    Jaderail said:
    Not sure if this is too much mood and not enough lighting. I used the DAZ 4.6 Pro Public Beta version.
    I like the concept but as noted above think different here. Maybe seeing the edge of the door and a bit of a better pose. Then a little work on the lighting. It can go far this Idea but this is a good wip.

    Thanks. Ideas are one thing...execution is another.

    I am really enjoying working on these contest entries. The help being offered really pushes me to try new things and is helping me learn composition, lighting, etc. I love taking photos but have always been weak on lighting and composition.

  • DiomedeDiomede Posts: 15,024
    edited September 2013

    Experimenting with the anything glows feature in Carrara 8.5. Fireplace flames are 3 vertex objects that were modeled to be jagged, with noise applied to the alpha, and with a yellow/red gradient in the diffuse and glow channels. Anything glows was then applied to the flames. Used the "object color" and facets choices in anything glows. Also applied anythingt glows to some embers replicated below the logs. Only other light is ambient set to 5.

    WIP_Fireplace_Beginners_contest_Mood_Light.jpg
    800 x 600 - 25K
    Post edited by Diomede on
  • BrotherloboBrotherlobo Posts: 495
    edited September 2013

    Hologram Report WIP

    Even though I have been working with DAZ for over a year, I still consider myself a novice...especially when it comes to lighting. I liked Jaderails' suggestion in the description of the contest -- which brought to mind a 'hologram report' I threw together for a PC Weekly contest.

    I wasn't really happy with my entry but I did like the hologram I created.The base was/is a free download over at Sharecg, the model is V4 with Complicated Eve outfit. I then created a Geometry Shell of her and used pwEffect - the model and clothing opacity is moved down to 75 & 50 % respectfully.

    Now to my lighting and questions: ATM - I am only using 2 light...a spotlight at the base of the hologram disk pointing up. Tight beam and at about 50% intensity. Then I added a Linerpointlight right in front of the hologram's nose (btw - her name is Athena) at 75% intensity and falloff at 100-200. Both lights are the same (or close) blue as the pwrEffect on the hologram. Only the lpl has shadows turned on.

    Now my question...why does the Coalition Rapier Armor show a light/reflection coming from behind him? Shouldn't he be cloaked in shadows since I don't have any lights in that area?

    Of course, I am always open to suggestions and critiques. Thanks in advance.

    Hologram_Report_WIP_1.jpg
    1806 x 918 - 738K
    Post edited by Brotherlobo on
  • TobiasGTobiasG Posts: 447
    edited December 1969

    They say the Toxic Zones aren't really devoid of life, but that life there is twisted, and hungry...

    I tried to give a isolated, hunted, scared feeling for the girl. Satsuki's huge eyes are made to look frightened :)

    What do you think?

    Hide_n_Seek.jpg
    600 x 800 - 232K
  • TobiasGTobiasG Posts: 447
    edited December 1969

    Well - it appears I got a prize in the August contest (again: Thank you all!), if that means I can no longer participate, then please consider this Not an Entry.

  • selias19selias19 Posts: 252
    edited December 1969

    Here is what I have come up with.

    The title is
    A Quiet Evening

    Rendered in Daz 4.5

    Lights I used:
    an orange spot light from behind (255 180 126 intensity 57.5%)
    (there is a fireplace behind her so I thought she gets a little light from there)
    a bright yellow spot light on the desk lamp illuminating the paper (255 248 205 intensity 87.3%)
    a bright yellow point light under the desk lamp to create the light halo (255 250 184 intensity 43.1%)
    and a mid-grey distant light as fill light (141 159 169 intensity 7.7%)

    I used deep shadow maps on the spot lights only.
    I tried a raytraced version but couldn't see any difference between the two results so I stayed with deep shadow map because it renders faster.

    While rendering I get a strange render message:
    3Delight message #26 (Severity 2): P1051: [C:0]: invalid context for 'RiAttribute'
    I get this each time the shadow map is created and when the final render begins.
    I have no idea what this means but apparently my render turns out ok.

    What do you think?

    Sigrid

    AQuietEvening_selias19.jpg
    800 x 800 - 41K
  • selias19selias19 Posts: 252
    edited December 1969

    TobiasG said:
    They say the Toxic Zones aren't really devoid of life, but that life there is twisted, and hungry...

    I tried to give a isolated, hunted, scared feeling for the girl. Satsuki's huge eyes are made to look frightened :)

    What do you think?

    Ooh, scary. I love it!
    Sigrid

  • ChoholeChohole Posts: 33,604
    edited September 2013

    TobiasG said:
    Well - it appears I got a prize in the August contest (again: Thank you all!), if that means I can no longer participate, then please consider this Not an Entry.

    No, you are fine, you haven't had enough placed yet, we will let you know when we feel you should graduate. :coolsmile:

    Post edited by Chohole on
  • KyricusKyricus Posts: 44
    edited September 2013

    I hope this isn't too risque for here. No nudity but, it is suggestive none the less.

    I was actually working on this to play with lighting when I just noticed that it's this month's contest theme.

    I used a three point lighting system consisting of :

    Main light - Overhead spot
    Secondary Light - another Overhead spot, off center and back towards the wall
    Backlight - Point light with high intensity to light the candle.

    Image Pulled by Moderator. I'm sorry, but yes it's a bit much as voted on by Admins. This is a Family site.

    Post edited by Jaderail on
  • bighbigh Posts: 8,147
    edited December 1969

    1 Distant light - render in DS

    1_Distant_light_toon.jpg
    1029 x 694 - 128K
  • BlumBlumShubBlumBlumShub Posts: 1,108
    edited December 1969

    bigh said:
    1 Distant light - render in DS


    What is it?
  • bighbigh Posts: 8,147
    edited December 1969

    bigh said:
    1 Distant light - render in DS


    What is it?

    toon render

  • BlumBlumShubBlumBlumShub Posts: 1,108
    edited December 1969

    Not sure if this is too much mood and not enough lighting. I used the DAZ 4.6 Pro Public Beta version.

    Title: MIdnight Snack


    When I saw the title, and the style of the render, I thought "Wow, wouldn't it look cool if he was looking inside a fridge?"
    The lighting from the fridge would look awesome.
  • KyricusKyricus Posts: 44
    edited December 1969

    kyricus said:
    I hope this isn't too risque for here. No nudity but, it is suggestive none the less.

    I was actually working on this to play with lighting when I just noticed that it's this month's contest theme.

    I used a three point lighting system consisting of :

    Main light - Overhead spot
    Secondary Light - another Overhead spot, off center and back towards the wall
    Backlight - Point light with high intensity to light the candle.

    Image Pulled by Moderator. I'm sorry, but yes it's a bit much as voted on by Admins. This is a Family site.

    No problem, I still liked the lighting so I think I'll just change the figure a bit. I have a more family friendly idea in mind. Sorry about that. Now I know :)

  • JaderailJaderail Posts: 0
    edited December 1969

    kyricus said:
    No problem, I still liked the lighting so I think I'll just change the figure a bit. I have a more family friendly idea in mind. Sorry about that. Now I know :)
    The lighting was done very well and was a great example of what the Contest is about. I was sorry to have to pull it.
  • SGCBearcubSGCBearcub Posts: 243
    edited December 1969

    Would love some feedback. I'm trying for an utterly exhausted feeling.

    Elias_1.jpg
    838 x 658 - 426K
  • JaderailJaderail Posts: 0
    edited September 2013

    I like it very much, but maybe more of a frown and lowered outer edges of the brows would convey more fatigue. The expression right now just seems a bit too tense to me. The body language is right but I'm seeing hard concentration in the face.

    EDIT: Maybe Droop the shoulders a bit as well and a little forward slump in the upper chest too.
    EDIT 2: Great lighting...

    Post edited by Jaderail on
  • keshkesh Posts: 0
    edited December 1969

    all that Jaderail said, plus (imo) less colorful/saturated light would possibly help: the warm fireplace light (i guess it's a fireplace that's giving light to your scene) makes it cozy; so a colder light could possibly make it look more lonely and not contrast with the feelings you are wanting to make stand out.

    Yellowish lights can look more 'depressing' than orange and red, so it might be worth a try with a less red dominant light color (without going into yellow-green tints, that would make it look spectral).

  • SGCBearcubSGCBearcub Posts: 243
    edited December 1969

    So here's the updated version. Drooped the shoulders as much as possible without losing the pose. Smoothed out the frown and changed the lighting to a more yellow -blue scheme.

    I think it feels more desolate but maybe not as cohesive. I don't know.

    Throne_yellow.jpg
    838 x 658 - 377K
  • SGCBearcubSGCBearcub Posts: 243
    edited September 2013

    took out the blue and changed the hand pose. I think I like this one better.

    Throne_yellow.jpg
    838 x 658 - 376K
    Post edited by SGCBearcub on
  • JaderailJaderail Posts: 0
    edited December 1969

    This is getting so close, I think maybe too much head droop now. As for the rest all I can add is watch the poke thru. Like the Hair and right hand.

  • TobiasGTobiasG Posts: 447
    edited December 1969

    I darkened Satsuki's feet a bit, to blend her in the environment (and to fit in better with the dark ground around the mutant's feet area), and let her face stand out better.

    Thoughts?

    Hidw_n_seek_2.jpg
    600 x 800 - 239K
  • Kismet2012Kismet2012 Posts: 4,252
    edited December 1969

    I am testing a different camera angle. Have changed the pose and played with the lighting.

    Comments are appreciated.

    Midnight_Snack_27.jpg
    565 x 800 - 155K
  • SGCBearcubSGCBearcub Posts: 243
    edited December 1969

    Well, not the dark image i was going for, but i think I like this sunrise one better.

    Throne_yellow_4.jpg
    838 x 658 - 401K
  • JaderailJaderail Posts: 0
    edited December 1969

    I am testing a different camera angle. Have changed the pose and played with the lighting.

    Comments are appreciated.

    I do like this angle much better, now remember this. Most places have some Ambient light (fill light) not many places in the world are 100% dark just because it is night. Even setting in my room at midnight with the lights off I can see my room somewhat. Lights from my windows cast from street lights across the road, a Full moon will really add light. To get good renders think in real world terms. Heck even test it some time for yourself. Turn off your lights with your eyes closed for a few seconds then open them. Now look around, you will be surprised just how much you can see.
  • JaderailJaderail Posts: 0
    edited December 1969

    TobiasG said:
    I darkened Satsuki's feet a bit, to blend her in the environment (and to fit in better with the dark ground around the mutant's feet area), and let her face stand out better.

    Thoughts?

    This is looking very good. To me the only thing that detracts from the image is the Hair color. I think it would look much better with a real world hair color rather than a she is a rebel type hair color.
  • JaderailJaderail Posts: 0
    edited December 1969

    Well, not the dark image i was going for, but i think I like this sunrise one better.
    Personally I never had a issue with the first lighting, I was only helping with the posing. Now this pose says fatigue to me.
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