Realistic Lighting -- preventing blowout

[execpres]

I like to use the inverse square decay on lights to achieve a
realistic attenuation.

To attain the appropriate level of illumination I usually crank up the
multiplier so the light does not fade out too quickly.

This works fairly well except that nearby objects always get blown out
to pure white.

Is there anyway to prevent this -- is it an exposure issue or what?

BTW, I realize there is a partial remedy through using near
attenuation -- but that tends to ruin the look of the realistic
lighting.

[Moose]

try using Exponential Color Mapping and upping the dark multiplier....1.4 - 1.8 even more in some circumstances...it will allow you to crank up the lights and minimize the burn...

...more info here under tutorials