Compositing a Specular map in photoshop makes my image darker and worse - question

[dmarques1177]

When I composite my image in PS I do it in the same fashion as the tutorial seen here: http://cg.tutsplus.com/tutorials/cha...-in-photoshop/

My question is when adding the Specular layer (through linear dodge(add)), it essentially makes my image overall darker and if I try the blurring trick for a gloom effect it just adds a black blur...
How can I output a decent Specular pass?

ADD spec, NO spec, Only Spec

[jacksc02]

Are you rendering with a black background?
Try screen mode rather than add

[dmarques1177]

The way my scene is set up there are panels reflecting light into the bottle/tube thing, and the background is set to black. My concern is that when I render separate layers and add my Spec in it comes out darker than my 'beauty' render.
Also this inhibits my ability to blur this map and create a nice gloom effect, as the tutorial shows.

[vlado]

I pure "add" operation should never make your image darker; perhaps the alpha channel gets involved along the way somewhere...

Best regards,
Vlado

[jacksc02]

Would you share your render passes? That way we can see what is going on?

[Morbid Angel]

Well, specular is only part of the problem did you also add the reflection? Usually you will need to split out all the elements and rebuild them all back together. Simply taking one element will not match the beauty render.

[dmarques1177]

Hey everyone,
here are my passes




I am having trouble adding the Specular / Shadow passes to match with my beauty render, sorry for any confusion.

Yes Vlado, I am sure now the alpha of the tube is playing a role in the specular map looking darker.

[dmarques1177]

and here is the shadow pass




Cheers,

-DM

[vlado]

I guess it would be best to send your files to our support guys at vray@chaosgroup.com - they will be able to look into this in more details and provide you with more specific instructions how to make it work.

Best regards,
Vlado