I am currently setting up an exterior scene, which I am using an HDRI sky for lighting. I have come across numerous post that discuss using dome lights in conjunction with HDRIs in lieu of placement of the HDRI map in the environment settings. It is my understanding that this method will allow for the HDRI to create shadows. However, I have not come across anywhere within the Vray manual or in this forum that show how to map the HDRI to the dome light. Is it possible to use an HDRI in conjunction with a dome light? If so, how is it done? FYI, I am using VRay 1.47.03 (I think) along with VIZ 2005.
the later versions are for the beta testers. some of the beta versions have been given to people who have specific needs and who ask nice enough to vlado
You’ll get shadows from an HDR anyways. Usually people use a fill light in conjunction with HDR to obtain more control over direction and sharpness.
Advantage of mappable Domelight is better sampling, faster speed, and a few more controls such as light sudivisions. But to the best of my knowledge, it doesnt ‘create’ shadows - the HDR itself determines this.
Thanks for the info. I will have to ask Vlado about getting my hands on a beta copy of version 1.5. I have seen vlad’s video I am really interested in using this feature. I have some parametric CIE and Perez HDRI skies that I have created. I have control over the sky/sun intensity, azimuth, color, etc. via time/date/location sun/sky color input parameters. Plus, I can make my HDRI skies as large as I need (I have one that’s 12000 x 12000). So hopefully I’ll get to kick the tires on this feature this weekend.