Lighting tutorial.

[eno]

I mentioned in my StudioV interview about lighting conditions effecting the mood and quality of a screenshot. In this presentation I hope to show the effect of dynamic lighting throughout a flight.


I probably wouldn't use this first shot the direct light on the aircraft washes out the detail on the engine cowling and leading edge of the wing.This gives  the aircraft an over exposed look. With less well modeled and textured aircraft this would lead to a cartoon look. The picture as a whole looks flat.
     
How could this shot be improved?
Without changing the time of day, the shot would be improved by moving your position up or down in relation to the aircraft using the light to reflect off more detailed areas, likewise moving fore or aft. Moving to the other side of the aircraft would also help although the background would not be as dramatic the detail of the aircraft would be more prominant. In FS, unlike photography taking shots with the sun behind you isn't always the best policy.

     
Although we have the same angle on the aircraft as in shot 1 you can see the dramatic difference in the lighting. We are on the opposite side of the aircraft to the sun. The detail is more clearly defined and contrasts in the shape of the airframe and wings stand out' increasing the 3D illusion . The scenery further adds to the 3D effect as the light and shadows on the hills create depth in the shot.

     
Here in Shot 3 we have moved on an hour or so and the sun is beginning to set. The lighting having changed colour is creating more depth in the picture ...... notice the contrast on the horizon. The aircraft stands out more as the highlights become more subtle, note the tailfin. As in photography sunset and sunrise produce some beautiful lighting conditions for screenshots.

     
The sun has set and the stars are shining brightly. How do you get the best shots in darkness. The first thing is to choose an aircraft with good night textures..... you are completely stuffed if the aircraft looks bland and flat because the textures don't change for night conditions. Second  take shots from the lit side of the aircraft,  FS produces moonlight even on  nights with no moon.... much like in films where they have blue light on the subjects after the lights are turned off.  On the darkest nights the aircraft will still have a light and dark side. You will notice in Shot4 that there is a road to show where the ground is as otherwise you wouldnt see anything apart from the aircraft.


Here in shot 5 I'm attempting to give a feeling of depth by showing the roads going off into the distance. Note that even though the angle to the aircraft is accute ..... I'm still on the lighter side.

Lighting is a very subjective thing ........ I've noticed that some of the freeware addons which add to the atmosphere and lighting add a complete wash of colour over the whole shot. I find these  washes most unrealistic and have yet to see  something so extreme in nature. Natural lighting is much more subtle and  dynamic than anything man can produce. I think  I've shown that even  in FS with it's man made lighting effects that those dynamic conditions are possible.

Addons used.
Ground environment.
Flight environment.
Dreamfleet A36 Bonanza.
Roads n Rivers Europe.
FSGlobal SE mesh.

Yes all payware ....... but there are freeware addons out there that can produce the same quality.

cheers
eno

[Hai Perso Coyone?]

Mmm...lighting is something I try to capture in my shots...without any success...

Here are 2 examples...:





Tell me what ya think...and yes these shots feature some payware too...

[eno]

Sorry had to edit your post to stay within thread guidelines.

The first shot is very flat looking ..... In theatrical lighting we have the terms Key and Fill light. Key light is the main light on the subject, Fill light adds the depth and contrast in the scene. In this first shot you only have the Key light ..... which is why it's so flat. The picture is dominated by a very dark foreground and area behind and just above the aircraft. The aircraft in itself is well lit and should have been the main focus of the shot, zooming in and making more of it and the lumps and bumps in the upper part of the shot would have made it more interesting.

The second shot on the other hand is a fantastic example of key and fill lighting. The dashboard of the aircraft provides a lovely contrast with the outside lighting. There is plenty of depth from the terrain and lovely subtle lighting.

[thebrelon]

excellent tutorial eno!! I was thinking about doing something like that, but wouldn't have done better.

let me just add one thing regarding flatness. taking a shot at midday with the sun high in the sky will not allow you to display the terrain elevations properly; that's because you need shadow.
your second shot is a perfect example, the sun was not at its highest and was therefore casting shadows on the ground giving a great sense of depth...

thanks for the tut eno...

vince

[Hai Perso Coyone?]

Sorry had to edit your post to stay within thread guidelines.

The first shot is very flat looking ..... In theatrical lighting we have the terms Key and Fill light. Key light is the main light on the subject, Fill light adds the depth and contrast in the scene. In this first shot you only have the Key light ..... which is why it's so flat. The picture is dominated by a very dark foreground and area behind and just above the aircraft. The aircraft in itself is well lit and should have been the main focus of the shot, zooming in and making more of it and the lumps and bumps in the upper part of the shot would have made it more interesting.

The second shot on the other hand is a fantastic example of key and fill lighting. The dashboard of the aircraft provides a lovely contrast with the outside lighting. There is plenty of depth from the terrain and lovely subtle lighting.

Yeah sorry about that...

Thanks for the tips Andy! Like the tut too...actually I love the entire idea of this Studio

[Clipper]

This is a truly informative and detailed tutorial Andy. I'm in the process of creating a permanent thread library here at the Studio which will enable everyone to go back and access these important tutorials, all from one place. Thanks to Jakemaster for this fabulous idea!