Mattes Mattes and more Mattes -- written by Matt

[execpres]

Okay, I'm starting to like this Matte stuff as a big time saver. But I wondered if I could get some clarification...

Is there any real difference between using the Wrapper or using the Object Settings in the Renderer to do Mattes?

Effectively they are the same, right?

Is there any situation where one way would be used instead of the other? -- I mean, in terms of capabilities -- not based on convenience or personal preference.

[v_wrangler]

Re: Mattes Mattes and more Mattes -- written by Matt

Its the same thing.

You'd use the object settings when you want to control the rendered
(individual) object without messing with its material (its even easier
now with RClicking)

One the other hand - the material wrapper allows you to control
the object (and any other object using the same material)..

[RErender]

I've been doing alot of matting too, one issue that is a problem is when I need a matte object to cast a shadow, if it is a complex object the self shadows can really be a pain, Ive gotten arround it by masking the bad parts of the alpha but it is a pain. Are there any methods to minimize the self shadowing?

Hope you don't mind me popping in on the thread

[v_wrangler]

Hello,

I don't think I understand the problem well. What do you mean
when you say minimize self shadowing? As far as I understand -
it is either on or off. Cast shadows to oneself or not.

To unable the matte object to cast shadow to itself - I simply
uncheck the "Shadows" prop in the material wrapper.

Or is the problem something else?

Regards

[roppin]

Or make it not visible to camera in max object properties.

/D

[Da_elf]

here is my problem. i have a scene where the ground and a wall are mattes since im matching onto a photo background. the object in question needs to cast shadows on the ground and wall. so i cant make invisible to camera or i wont get the shadows. also i need the ground to block off skylight from the bottom and the wall to block out skylight from that side to make the image more correct in the lighting simulation. however i also need the wall and ground to bounce light onto the object. my problem is that the ground and wall no longer become proper mattes because the skylight is all over them

[egz]

so i cant make invisible to camera or i wont get the shadows

Actually, invisible to camera does give you shadows.

[Da_elf]

an invisable to camera object casts shadows. but it wont recieve any shadows. hence the need for matte shadow material. however. as i explained it doesnt work as well as needed

[v_wrangler]

Hello,

One thing that I usually do for camera matching etc. is to
sometimes not matte at all (or making the object invisible
during rendering). One neat trick is to Camera Map the object
(the one you want to be the matte object) using the
background plate.
This gives you the added bonus of being able to control
the GI contribution to nearby objects - close to what it would
have been if your were at the actual set. Try this unto your
walls and floor.

You can also reduce the sunlights effect unto the insides
(walls and ground) by making sure the walls are 2-sided or
solid.

If all fails - please post a problem file. (R5.1)

Regards,

[silkcut]

hi...
could someone (please ) ) explain to me what is matte/shadow object -and what can it be used for...
if you don't want to write too much - any links from the net concerning the matter would be nice... I couldn't find any info on the chaos forum (

[hughg]

silkcut here you go!


MATTE TUTORIAL,
http://www.evermotion.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=87

Merry Alls

[silkcut]

thanks hughg... I missed that one