How to handle overexposed windows when using HDRI dome lighting for an interior scene?

[tinybot]

I've tried manipulating the overall, render and dome light multipliers in many different combinations, but either I can get the background through the windows to look OK (but the rest of the scene is too dark), or vice versa (scene is OK, but the windows are blasted out).

I have a feeling this is a simple thing - I'm overlooking an option or switch somewhere? But I can't figure it out, and all of the tutorials I've seen on HDRI lighting don't seem to encounter this problem.

I'm using a Peter Guthrie HDRI in this example. Skylight portals turned off. Just using the dome light for generating the background (but I've also tried setting the dome light to invisible and using an instance of the HDRI in the Environment slot).

I suppose I could render twice, once at high exposure and again at a low exposure, and then merge in post? But that feels like an unnecessary step?

Raw render output sample attached!

(3dsmax 2017, V-Ray 3.6)

[anthonyh]

putting one hdri in environment slot and another hdri on dome light work so you can set levels individually ? make dome light invisible.

[Syclone1]

putting one hdri in environment slot and another hdri on dome light work so you can set levels individually ? make dome light invisible.

I do this as well, plus add in the background render element and then I have more control over exposure and colour in post.

[OPEN_RANGE]

If there is window glass with reflect/refract, possibly try hiding the glass. that may allow for simpler control of background thru windows.

[Neilg]

Also a super low burn value could help.

Any photographs of a similar view with well exposed backgrounds will have been done with bracketed shots.

[OPEN_RANGE]

Also a super low burn value could help.

Any photographs of a similar view with well exposed backgrounds will have been done with bracketed shots.

that's an important point. I get a lot of comments from the forum users suggesting I brighten/blow out the view outside the windows in my interior renderings. In my area the showing the views out of windows is critical. The local pro real estate photographers always use exposure bracketing and combine in pshop or whatever. The final photos (used for sales) have both outside and inside properly exposed. That's what my clients require in the renderings. Those views are worth big $

[francomanko]

have you tried Reinhard color mapping?