Kingdom wrote:
"BD" wrote in news:1156261686.511369.240740@
74g2000cwt.googlegroups.com:
I was looking at a picture taken inside a large theatre. There was volumetric lighting everywhere.
I was studying what was really happening with this lighting, and it seemed to me that the areas that were covered by the ‘mist’ of the volumetric lighting were lighter, lower in contrast, and lower in saturation.
I started to wonder if a process such as creating a second layer from an image, adjusting the saturation and contrast accordingly, and using a layer mask with a very soft brush, might allow someone to ‘fake’ volumetric lighting in an image.
Wondering if anyone’s ever tried that…
Thanks!!
BD
I think it’s something many of us do when manipulating images, making wallpapers etc. as lighting is always a primariy concern, firstly to work out where the shadows/highlights are comming from.
The term volumetric lighting simply refers to lighting that is less directional and more uniform throughout the entire volume of a space.
Not entirely. At least in 3D modeling (but probably elsewhere, too), "volumetric light" describes light that appears to be tangible in space,
e.g. light rays, sometimes also referred to as "crepuscular rays"[1]
when discussing sunlight.
Maybe this is also what you are describing, but "mist" seems like a pretty good way to sum it up to me; volumetric light can only occur when there is an atmospheric element to reflect it, such as mist, dust, etc.
It is possible that you are also confusing volumetric light with atmospheric perspective, which also calls upon lower saturation, heightened lightness, and a softness of form to make objects look farther away from the viewer. Atmospheric perspective, however, doesn’t form shapes like rays or beams.
[1]
http://www.ems.psu.edu/~demark/471/CrepuscularRays.html Volumetric lighting extends beyond the work plane to adequately illuminate the entirety of the interior, resulting in a better balance of luminance throughout the visual field. The space ‘feels’ brighter, larger, more public, and more relaxing. Facial rendering is morenatural, consistent, and complimentary. Shadows tend to be softer andless pronounced, and the appearance of the space is less defined bysharp, arbitrary transitions in surface brightness. Volumetric lighting does a better job of rendering architecture, it’s contents, and its occupants true to form.
I don’t think the term mist fits with well with this term at all.
The answer really is to continually practice, try any idea you have, if it works it’s right.
To answer the OP, yes, I think there is definitely a potential to use Photoshop to create the volumetric light effect. A couple of things to look out for when trying it out is to keep the source of light in mind when drawing lines (or drawing masks). All of the beams should appear to be emanating from a single source (if it’s the sun), or from the sources visible in the image. Also, when volumetric light passes through windows or holes, the density of the beam is affected by the shape and texture of the opening. There are plenty of images on the Internet that will help you examine these effects.
You’re probably on the right track with the techniques you describe; perservere and you will find the right formula!
—
Aaron
"Mankind are greater gainers by suffering each other to live as seems good to themselves, than by compelling each to live as seems good to the rest." — John Stuart Mill
