PhySky/ Photonmap/ Lightportals

[Jim M]

Hi All,

If you use photonmap method, I understand background illumination like a gradient or Sunsky won't work (probably as there is no way to point to them as items for Lightportals). My question is, how does Physical Sky interact with Lightportals? Are there methods to make a connection between them? I hope the question makes sense.

Many thanks,
Jim

[Janusz Biela]

Hi All,

If you use photonmap method, I understand background illumination like a gradient or Sunsky won't work (probably as there is no way to point to them as items for Lightportals). My question is, how does Physical Sky interact with Lightportals? Are there methods to make a connection between them? I hope the question makes sense.

Many thanks,
Jim

Physical Sky doesn`t works with LightPortals yet. Only way to use it is use new sunsky as lumi sphere and then You can choice in shader source of photons for portals. Also new Sunsky has nice control for position of Sun...so this will be easy.
http://dpont.pagesperso-orange.fr/plugins/Sunsky.html

[Jim M]

Thankyou for the quick response Janusz.
This might be a good idea.... if render method is set to Photonmap, the PhysSky plugin is greyed out. Just so new users don't go down dead end roads. Just a thought.
J

[Jim M]

Do you mean use SK Sky Light and SK Sun Light in concert?

[Janusz Biela]

Do you mean use SK Sky Light and SK Sun Light in concert?

Yes. I use only this, interior/exterior.

[medzo]

what would be the benefit of using lightportals? aren't lumi polygons enough?

[Janusz Biela]

what would be the benefit of using lightportals? aren't lumi polygons enough?

Portals are just tool for correct photons which have all the time problem with small windows (and sometimes curtains) for example when they travel from outside to inside room. Portals only reduce problems with splotches or light leaks...they are not magic tool for good render.

[medzo]

so, for interior renders we should use both lumi and lightportals?

[Janusz Biela]

so, for interior renders we should use both lumi and lightportals?

I think, Lightportals are quite complicated so better Area Lights and Lumi Poly.

[Jim M]

Thanks Janusz