Soft Shadow work around (with image)

moodflow · June 02, 2007, 11:17:44 PM

Since soft shadows aren't implemented just yet, I decided to try a 'fake' soft shadow technique I had been using while back in Bryce. The actual soft shadows are real, but not truly 100% accurate. Either way, it looks nice.

As you can see, this adds a smoother, more realistic look.

So this is what soft shadows will likely look like when implemented in TG2 (though probably better than this).

Many thanks to Planetside for their work so far!

moodflow · June 02, 2007, 11:20:04 PM

I am working on building the light model (in .tgc form) for use in other images. Once complete, I'll post it here. The only problem is, the light position is set and will require some serious work to move it.

l.a. akira · June 03, 2007, 02:19:36 AM

It would be nice to at least have this option available. From what I heard, tg2 does have this capability but it is still dormant due to speed issues. I really hope soft shadows cast by other objects (sans clouds) become available in the next update since there are a few scenes i'm not gonna be able to finish without it.

Care to share the trick btw?

rcallicotte · June 03, 2007, 09:22:54 AM

Nice job, moodflow. Cool workaround. I'm looking forward to this as well.

Will · June 03, 2007, 11:45:10 AM

really interesting man great job.

Regards,

Will

moodflow · June 20, 2007, 02:01:23 AM

Here are some test renders featuring soft shadows.

There are various ways to implement soft shadows, such as changing the size of the "light disk" and the density of each individual "sun". The closer they are, the sharper the line (though still soft).

Below are some lower res versions of different densities, which are: off, 1, 2, 4, 8. As you can see, there is a noticeable difference between the first image and the rest. The first image, with NO soft-shadows, has a sharp shadow line, and less detail in the shadows, compared to the rest (especially the last 3).

rcallicotte · June 20, 2007, 08:55:39 AM

Yes. Yes. Yes. <saliva dripping from chin> Uh huh, sure, yeah. I like it.

moodflow · June 20, 2007, 11:46:50 AM

Here is a quick render of a tree with soft shadows off, soft shadows on (21 suns), and soft shadows on (89 suns).

You can definitely see softer, more pleasing colors and shading on the leaves. A higher quality render would show it even better - these were rendered at 400x300 @ quality of .25. The 89 sun version has even more accuracy, as you can see by the shadow. Unfortunately, the render times go up significantly, but atleast this workaround is now available.

rcallicotte · June 20, 2007, 01:42:56 PM

You've been saying something about a TGC. If you are going to share it, great. But, without being demanding, it seems like it could be done with a little time. I wonder what Planetside will do to make this happen.

moodflow · June 20, 2007, 05:22:39 PM

Hey Calico,

Here's the .tgc files. Sorry for the delay, but I got yanked away from my PC this morning just before I was able to post it.

The first file is the 89 sun file. Be sure to delete your current sun in your scene. This one is also more precise.

The second file is the 21 sun file, and is less precise, but renders alot faster.

Be sure to let me know what you think and post some image files or tests you've done. I'd love to see them.

BPauba · June 21, 2007, 12:20:09 AM

The tree shadows really show your work off

. Good stuff man

moodflow · June 21, 2007, 10:00:55 AM

Quote from: BPauba on June 21, 2007, 12:20:09 AM
The tree shadows really show your work off . Good stuff man

Thanks! Hopefully this will help bring our images to the next level.

rcallicotte · June 21, 2007, 04:09:22 PM

I'm rendering now (over 5 hours already) and will post a link to the results in the image section when it's completed. Thanks for the cool clip file.

moodflow · June 21, 2007, 05:39:04 PM

Super! Can't wait to see what you've come up with.

rcallicotte · June 25, 2007, 10:14:15 AM

Moodflow, I'm posting the image up at the Image section. It was 35 hours.