First image post need tips

[Jer25]

I hope I am putting this in the right section. I haven't posted any images before because everyone else is so good. Well I seem to be stuck now at my learning and need some helpful or even harsh critiques.

I have been trying to come up with a standard studio shot that I can use for several items. I am happy with the lighting and think it looks decent but when I add the materials it seems to lessen the realism.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks.

[thablanch]

Dark materials are always a pain. Have you tried mid-tone materials, just to see if you are happy with it.
I do think that this studio could use a little bit more light, it seems a little dark on my monitor. But overall, the shoot does the job.

[Neilg]

It's just really dark. Increase the intensity of one or more of your lights.

[Jer25]

Unfortunately I have to use the dark materials. I will increase the lights and post it when they are done. Thanks.

[Jer25]

Ok, I lightened up all the lighting. Any other tips?

[Preisler]

Hi Jer25

It is not so bad, but as cubiclegangster says, try increasing the light even more. You could also brighten and neutralize the background to make a greater contrast in the image. I tweaked your image in Photoshop to give you an idea of what I mean - hope you don´t mind

Preisler

[voltron7]

looking good, maybe fix that tiling texture on the worksurface

[stevesideas]

Looking good. Have you tried using a hdri studio shot or interior shot and applied it to a vraylight dome. It may give you the reflections and lighting that adds that extra realism to the scene.

[Jer25]

How did I not think of the tiled texture? Thanks, I'll fix in and submit something when I get a bit more time.

No I haven't tried the light dome with hdri. I do have a hdr in the environment lighting and reflection override slot though. Is there a huge difference?