Working with Light in 3D: Color, Readability, and Accents

Content:

• Readability
• Emphasis

In 2019, Andrew Price, founder of popular online resources Blender Guru and Poliigon, created a video course for beginner 3D artists dedicated to lighting in 3D graphics. In his lectures, he explains in detail the five key rules that form the basis for proper lighting of both characters and environments. The theoretical material is illustrated with illustrative examples from visualizations, photography, painting, and film. In this text, we present the main points of the course, which will help you better understand the importance of lighting in 3D design.

In part one, we explored the influence of the direction and size of light sources on composition and the perception of form. In this article, we will take a closer look at how different types of lighting can change the atmosphere and aesthetic perception of an image. You will learn about the importance of light in art and photography, as well as how to use lighting correctly to create expressive and memorable compositions. We'll discuss techniques and methods for working with light that will help you achieve the desired effect in your projects.

• Why colors can't have generally accepted associations;
• What is the difference between natural and artificial lighting;
• How to adjust exposure balance in Blender;
• How and when to separate objects from each other or from the background;
• What are the features of using incident light and contrasts.

Artificial lighting covers a wide range of colors and is actively used to create atmosphere in urban spaces and convey symbolic meanings. It is called artificial because it includes shades that are absent in natural light. Light sources such as mercury lamps, neon lights, LED panels, and spotlights allow you to create unique color schemes. Purple, blue, and green shades evoke associations with urban environments, nightlife, and neon signs. The use of these colors helps to emphasize technological progress and the dynamism of urban life, making lighting an important element in the design of urban spaces.

In the image above, the characters are in the subway, where The blue-green hue dominates, creating an atmosphere similar to the lighting of a street lamp. By removing the background, the viewer can easily understand that the events are taking place outdoors.

Lighting in the frame of the film "Blade Runner "Blade 2049" indicates that the character is near a hologram or neon lamp. This is because natural light sources that produce a purple hue are not found. The use of such lighting effects enhances the film's atmosphere and enhances the futuristic aesthetic. Filmmaking often uses lighting that corresponds to the Kelvin scale. However, the viewer easily recognizes that such lighting is artificial due to its increased brightness and saturation. This creates an effect that enhances visual perception, emphasizing the atmosphere of the scene. Proper use of color temperature lighting allows directors and cinematographers to create unique emotional moods, influencing the senses of the audience.

Artificial lighting in film is often used to convey deep symbolism. In "Only God Forgives," the director masterfully uses saturated colors to evoke specific emotions and thoughts in the viewer. In one key scene, the protagonist beats up a club patron in a hallway bathed in bright red-orange light. This color scheme evokes a surge of rage and aggression. In a contrasting scene where the protagonist experiences hallucinations, icy lighting predominates, creating an ominous atmosphere and foreshadowing a tragic outcome. This use of lighting not only enriches the visuals but also deepens the perception of the plot, forcing the audience to consider the hidden motives of the characters and their inner state.

In the film, it is noticeable how moments shot under artificial lighting alternate with shots shot in natural light, which creates a striking contrast and enhances emotional perception.

Color shades as symbols evoke reflections on the perception of color by our consciousness. This emphasizes the thesis that the meaning of colors is not universal. It depends not only on generally accepted associations, such as red, but also on individual perceptions. Directors and artists convey their vision, while viewers interpret colors in their own way. For example, for one person, pink may be associated with love or passion, while for another it will become a symbol of repressive patriarchy. Thus, the perception of color remains deeply subjective and multilayered, which opens new horizons for analysis and discussion in art and culture.

Colored lighting in 3D art plays a key role in creating the atmosphere and mood of the work. It not only highlights the details and shapes of objects but also sets the overall perception of a scene. Let's look at a few examples where the use of colored lighting significantly improves visual perception.

The first example is the use of warm tones to create a cozy and comfortable atmosphere. Colors such as soft yellow or orange can mimic sunlight and add vibrancy to a scene. The second example is cool tones, such as blue or purple, which can create a sense of mystery or even anxiety. Such color schemes are often used in the horror and fantasy genres.

The third example is contrasting color schemes, where warm and cool tones are used simultaneously to highlight key elements of a scene. This not only helps draw attention to certain details, but also creates dynamics in the composition.

In conclusion, colored lighting is a powerful tool in 3D art, allowing artists to convey emotion and atmosphere, as well as create unique visual narratives.

The scene shown uses a white light source, which is an optimal choice for displaying an object in a neutral setting. White light effectively highlights textures and details, allowing the viewer to focus on the object's characteristics. This approach ensures clarity and precision of perception, which is especially important in visual presentations.

Depending on the composition, you can warm up the light and add a red light source from the opposite side. If you change the color of this light source to blue and move it slightly further away, the warm and cool tones will reinforce each other, creating a more striking contrast and drawing the viewer's attention. The correct use of light and its shades in the composition allows you to achieve expressiveness and depth in the image, which is important for attracting interest and creating an emotional impact.

If the character is located In a city scene, the auxiliary light can be tinted blue or purple, and the main light can be given a greenish tint, as is done in some films. Saturated colors are ideal for stylization and symbolism, creating an atmosphere that matches the mood of the scene. Using such color schemes allows not only to highlight the character, but also to emphasize the emotional coloring of the events.

The choice of colored lighting plays a key role in the artistic perception of the work. If the goal is to emphasize the texture of a model or its structure, it is best to use a neutral color such as white. Warm and cool shades of the Kelvin scale are appropriate for creating natural scenes. However, to convey the atmosphere of a city or impart hidden meaning to a scene, it is recommended to use more saturated colors and artificial shades. The correct choice of lighting not only improves visual perception but also adds depth and emotional richness to the work.

Readability

The basic conditions for ensuring good text readability include an optimal level of brightness and clear separation of objects. The correct brightness of the background and text contributes to the ease of perception of information. It is also important to consider the contrast between elements to avoid eyestrain. Clear separation of objects helps users quickly navigate the content and highlight key points.

Often, even without specialized tools, it is easy to determine whether an object is overexposed or underexposed. Proper lighting plays a key role in creating quality images, and too little or too much can negatively impact the perception of a photograph. Experienced photographers pay attention to lighting to achieve the best results and highlight details.

Determining the optimal brightness level for digital images can be challenging, as monitors and Screens have different settings. Artists often upload new renders to their portfolios, only to notice that the images don't look as expected when they open them on a smartphone. This may be due to differences in color and brightness across devices. To avoid such issues, it's important to calibrate your monitors and test your images on multiple devices before publishing. This will help ensure your work will be seen correctly by viewers, regardless of the device they use. Professionals use specialized calibrators to determine monitor brightness levels, which helps avoid image quality issues. Blender also has a helper tool that allows you to adjust the lighting in your scene, ensuring more accurate color reproduction and realistic rendering. Properly adjusting brightness and lighting in graphics applications is essential for achieving high-quality results in 3D design and animation. In the render settings, go to the Color Management tab. By default, the View Transform option is set to Filmic. Change it to False Color for an alternative color scheme.

The mode transforms the scene into a psychedelic painting, where bright acidic colors affect the exposure level and brightness of the image. Black indicates no light at all, while gray represents a medium level of brightness. As light intensity increases, the object begins to take on a reddish tint and then turns white, resulting in a loss of information in the image. In the example shown, the optimal brightness level is between gray and green.

Adding contrast after adjusting exposure can cause the image to lose saturation. To prevent this, open the Look tab in the settings section and select Medium Contrast (called Base Contrast in earlier versions). It is also recommended to experiment with other contrast types to make image details more expressive. Correctly setting contrast will help preserve saturation and improve the overall quality of the image.

Proper separation of objects in a scene contributes to a clearer perception of the composition. When a single shape is present in the foreground, with other objects merging into shadow behind it, it's difficult for the viewer to grasp the overall picture. Separating these elements significantly improves perception. This technique, often called rim lighting, helps highlight key shapes, creating clarity and depth in the image. Using rim lighting not only makes the work easier to perceive, but also highlights important details, enhancing the overall aesthetic value of the work.

Let's explore additional examples of using rim lighting in various scenes. Rim lighting is an essential tool for creating visual emphasis and depth. It helps highlight objects, adding volume and texture. In various fields, such as photography, filmmaking, and design, rim lighting is used to create atmosphere, highlight details, and manipulate the viewer's perception. Looking at the examples, you can see how rim lighting contributes to the creation of unique styles and improves the overall perception of visual content.

The render depicts two thylacine wolves With similar coloring, they are positioned almost in a straight line. Without rim lighting, the viewer would have difficulty distinguishing between the two animals, and their silhouettes could merge into a single two-headed creature. However, with the use of separation, their images become clear and easily perceived. This emphasizes the importance of rim lighting for creating clarity and emphasizing detail.

Rim lighting is widely used in the film industry. In some cases, it creates a striking visual style, adding drama and depth to scenes. This approach to lighting helps highlight characters and emphasize key plot elements, making the film more memorable.

In this frame, the characters look as if they are "glued" into the composition due to the harsh contour lighting, the source of which seems unknown (which emphasizes the long plan). While the film doesn't strive for realism, this approach is entirely justified—in Marvel films, viewers experience an idealized superhero world, and the glossy visuals are achieved through carefully selected lighting. There are instances where the use of rim lighting depends on the specific context. It's important to consider how lighting effects influence the perception of space and create atmosphere in an interior. Rim lighting can highlight architectural features, highlight specific areas, and create visual interest. Proper use of this type of lighting can not only improve the aesthetics but also enhance the functionality of a space.

This article compares stills from various films with similar scenes in which both heroines are on board a ship. These stills are perceived differently. The still from Black Panther demonstrates ideal, yet unnatural, lighting that is easily read by the viewer. In contrast, the still from Blade Runner 2049 is less noticeable: the heroine's hair blends into the background, but the scene appears more believable, as such lighting is often found in real life. Considering these aspects, it is important to correctly adjust the lighting depending on the context to achieve the desired effect and create an atmosphere that matches the plot.

Having studied the basic principles of rim lighting, we will move on to the practical application of this knowledge. Rim lighting is an important element in interior design and architecture, as it helps highlight forms and create atmosphere. By applying these principles, we can improve the visual perception of space and emphasize its character.

When using lighting from one side, some character information can be lost due to the resulting shadows. To solve this problem, it is recommended to install an additional light source positioned slightly below and on the opposite side. This will allow for even illumination of the object and preserve all details, which is especially important for high-quality rendering. Correct distribution of light will help create a more expressive and informative image of the character.

For clearer highlighting of details When creating a hairstyle, we'll position the light source behind the subject. This will create a distinct silhouette for the model and improve the overall composition of the image. Proper lighting plays a key role in the perception of hair texture and hairstyle shape.

In scenarios like these, rim lighting is often done in color. This is explained by the fact that multiple white light sources create a uniform vertical pattern, with streaks of light alternating with shadows. This can confuse the viewer and make it difficult to discern the direction of the light. Using colored lighting enhances the perception and clarity of light sources, making them more obvious and understandable to the audience.

This approach significantly expands the visual perception of the scene. Even without a clear background, intrigue is created, and the viewer begins to imagine possible light sources. This could be light from a fireplace or a torch, prompting consideration of the origin and atmosphere of the scene. This technique is not only captivating, but also stimulates the imagination, involving the audience in the process of understanding the plot.

Changing the color on the opposite side can create an attractive contrast. This technique is often used in design to highlight elements and draw attention to key components. Contrasting colors not only enhance visual aesthetics but also help improve information comprehension. The right combination of shades can significantly enhance the impact of your content, whether it's web design, graphics, or interior design. Experimenting with colors can create unique and memorable results.

When lighting a scene, it is important to keep in mind that the example provided is not universal. There are no strict standards in the world of lighting, as everything depends on the artist's creative approach. Each specialist has their own unique interpretation and style, which allows for the creation of a variety of visual effects and atmospheres. It is important to experiment and find the most suitable solutions for a specific project.

To ensure good readability, it is important to select the optimal brightness level. Contour lighting depends on the composition and artistic concept: the artist independently determines whether the object should be highlighted from the background and how clearly this should be done. Correct use of lighting helps to accentuate details and create the desired atmosphere in the work.

Accent

Accent in design involves the use of contrast, which creates points of interest for the viewer. Correct use of accents helps draw attention to key elements, improving the perception of information. Contrast can be achieved through color, size, texture, or the arrangement of objects. Effective accents direct the eye and help highlight important details, which contributes to deeper understanding and retention of the content.

Incident light is an important tool for creating accents in composition. The direction of the light beam plays a key role in how an image is perceived. Correctly chosen light direction can highlight certain details, create atmosphere, and set the mood. Using incident light in a composition not only highlights objects but also adds depth and volume.

Imagine a directional light source illuminating a plane. The interaction of light with the plane creates interesting optical effects such as shadows and reflections. These phenomena play an important role in various fields, including photography, architecture, and lighting design. Understanding how light interacts with surfaces allows you to create more expressive and harmonious compositions. By using different light sources and changing their angle of incidence, you can achieve a variety of results and moods in your visual works.

Determine the exact number of rays falling Explaining the distribution of light on a plane in real life is complicated, but in this example we're considering 32 rays. Doubling the distance will only result in 8 rays falling on the plane, which is 1/4 of the original amount of light. This is because the range of rays expands as the distance increases. Initially, the amount of light decreases significantly, but over time this process slows and soon reaches a plateau.

The diagram illustrates that at the distance between positions 7 and 8, the illumination level remains constant and is 98%. At the same time, the difference between the first and second points reaches 75%, despite the identical distance. This indicates that light intensity decreases with increasing distance from the source. Thus, the farther the light source is from the object, the dimmer the rays become. An example of this phenomenon is observing a tall building on a clear day: its upper part, located closer to the sun, appears brighter, while the lower part is illuminated almost evenly.

This theory is confirmed by the following example.

In the first image, the light source is positioned in the upper left corner at a distance of 120 meters from the subject, creating even illumination of the model's entire body. By moving the light closer to the head, the model's face becomes the focal point of the composition, while the lower part of the torso is in shadow. This change in lighting emphasis while maintaining the size and power of the light source emphasizes the importance of source placement in achieving the desired visual effect. Proper lighting helps highlight key details and creates depth in the image.

Incident light is an effective tool for creating accents in both interior and exterior settings. It is important to note that the viewer's primary attention is not drawn to the light source itself, but to the contrast between light and shadow. Proper placement of contrasting elements requires careful planning, as an unsuccessful composition can distract the viewer from the main subject. Skillfully used contrast can highlight the beauty and uniqueness of a design, creating atmosphere and visual interest.

Lighting used in While a film might be appropriate for changing camera angles during a scene, this approach isn't ideal for a poster. Bright lights in the background are distracting, making it difficult to perceive the main character's facial expression. The background should complement the image, not distract from it, especially when there's a more interesting object in the foreground. Poster aesthetics require balance to focus the viewer's attention on key elements, creating a harmonious perception and drawing interest in the content. In this section, we'll look at an example of an interior visualization Andrew created six years ago. He remembers his work fondly, as he thought the result was very successful at the time. This project was an important step in his career and demonstrated his creative approach to interior design.

One of the most common mistakes in architectural renderings is the presence of open Windows that let in bright light, distracting the viewer. In the image shown, the contrasting stripes of the window frames exacerbate this effect, creating a bright spot in the center of the scene. To avoid this visual imbalance, it is recommended to close the central windows in interior visualizations. This will help maintain harmony and focus attention on key design elements.

The technique of closed windows in interiors is widely used in the film industry. This technique helps create an atmosphere of intimacy and isolation, which enhances the emotional weight of scenes. Closed windows symbolize the limitations and internal conflicts of the characters and help focus the viewer's attention on their experiences. Using this technique in films allows directors to more effectively convey the mood and dynamics of the plot, which makes it an important tool in cinema.

Curtained windows in this The curtains in the frame serve more than just a secluded atmosphere. The room's interior is dark, and the lighting in the kitchen area helps balance the overall composition. Opening the curtains will allow bright light into the room, distracting the viewer's attention from the subject and the interior, focusing it on the windows. Thus, the curtained windows become an important element of the visual narrative, emphasizing the contrast between the interior and the outside world. Let's consider two examples in which lighting plays a key role in creating the film's narrative, adding depth and context through elements located outside the main frame. Properly chosen lighting not only highlights the main subject but also creates an atmosphere, directing the viewer's attention and highlighting important details. It is important to note that the environment, even if it is not the main focus, can significantly affect the perception of the scene and its emotional richness.

Instead of summing up, it's worth emphasizing the importance of practice. When mastering new knowledge, we often put off exercises until later, as a result of which we forget the material. Andrew strongly recommends not putting off practice and immediately applying the acquired knowledge after completing the course. This will help reinforce the information and use it effectively in the future.

In 2019, Andrew organized a challenge for subscribers of the Blender Guru channel, inviting 3D artists to improve their lighting skills on three different objects. The archive with these models is still available for download, allowing users to practice and develop their skills. These projects are compatible with Blender 2.8 and higher, making them ideal for those looking to learn how to work with this program.