soft shadows

[remon_v]

Hey guys I'm doing an exterior atm and I want to get a bit softer shadows. To get soft shadows from the sun you need to increase the size right? I increased the size from 1 to 10 to do a comparison but I don't see any difference.

Another question:
How do I get a darker shadows? I want a bit more contrast in my image.

thnx in advance

remon_v

[deanfitton]

Re: soft shadows

YES increasing the sun size in the GI color will soften the shadows.
If you are using 10 as your value, you should clearly see the difference from when the sun size is a 1. Remember that if objects are close to each other... ei a post 100mm away from a wall, the shadow that the post casts on to the wall will still be fairly sharp. Move the post 1000mm away from the wall and you will see the shadow soften considerably.

[remon_v]

Re: soft shadows

a that's it I think.... when I made a render from a greater distance I can see some softer shadows. thnx for the reply.

[thomthom]

Re: soft shadows

Alternately use an HDRI as they usually provide very soft shadows.

[remon_v]

Re: soft shadows

yes that's a good idea... can I mix HDRI lighting with sunlight? And if yes how and does it give a good result?

[thomthom]

Re: soft shadows

You can - I've seen people here do it, but I've not done so myself.

Think they have used a Blend map in the environment maps. But with 1.48 I think there was a new method possible... using default light... somehow...

[remon_v]

Re: soft shadows

I'm trying a blend map atm.... but I would love to know the new methode aswell. If someone can tell that would be awsome