Texture and Light for Architectural Exteriors - 3D for Graphic Designers - page 422

8. Maneuver the perspective view so that you can look from the center of the scene toward the incom-
ing light. This allows you to more easily see the alignment between light and environment (see Figure
11-40 ) .
9. Repeat steps 7 and 8 to fine-tune the alignment.
Figure 11-40: By using visible light and environments in the real-time viewport, lighting can be aligned
quickly.
This technique of separating elements of the environment can also be used to create another environment
layer that is visible only to the camera (to act as a backdrop). This last environment, the image will need to
be set up a little differently than the other images:
1. Place a regular photograph as the Environment Color layer.
2. In the Texture Locator for the photograph, set the Projection Type to Front Projection.
3. Set the Projection Camera to your render camera.
4. Position the camera so that the perspective aligns closely with the perspective in the photograph.
When using front projection, the image stays locked to the camera and will not move.
You may need some color correction after the render is completed (this topic is covered in Chapter 12,
“Improving Final Renders”), but the result will provide the best mix of all of the options covered in this
chapter. With lighting, reflections, and background all handled by different environment items, you will have
the control you need to make your model and scene look as good as possible.