Proper light staging in rendering plays a key role in creating realistic and aesthetically pleasing images. Here are a few rules of thumb that can help you create a beautiful render light setup:
Light sources: Use a variety of light sources such as spotlights, directional lights, ambient lighting, or HDRI cards. This will create a natural and more realistic look.
Direction of Light: Determine the direction of light according to your concept. Light falling from above can create natural shadows, while side lighting can emphasize the textures and shapes of objects.
Softness and shadows: Use different types of light to create soft and hard shadows. Soft light, for example, can be achieved with large area light sources or the use of filters. This is especially useful for creating natural light indoors.
Contrast and lighting: Experiment with contrast and light intensity. Contrast helps emphasize shapes and add depth to an image, while adjusting the light intensity allows you to achieve the desired illumination.
Light Color: Choose the color of the light to match the overall atmosphere and style of the scene. Warm hues can create a cozy and warm feel, while cool hues can give the scene a modern and cool feel.
Using Volumetric Lighting: This effect creates visible rays of light, which is especially effective if there are particles, fog or smoke in the scene. It adds volume and atmosphere.
Observe physical laws: Remember the physical laws of lighting. For example, light closer to the source will be more intense and shadows will be clearer. This will help create more realistic images.
Working with reflections and glare: Be aware of how light affects reflections and glare on objects. Adjust materials so that they react to light according to their physical properties.
Experiment with different light settings, try different scenarios, and find the optimal settings to create beautiful and realistic light in your renders.
