Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
Compositing the Results
Now that the two layers are rendered in their respective folders, load them into your
favorite compositing package. You'll layer the Ambient Occlusion pass over the color ren-
der using a Multiply Transfer mode. This exercise uses Adobe After Effects 7.0 to demon-
strate how the Ambient Occlusion pass is composited over the original color render.
Figure 11.79 shows After Effects with the masterLayer color pass loaded. Figure 11.80
shows the ambientOcclusion pass layered on top of the color layer. Finally, Figure 11.81
shows the ambientOcclusion pass changed to a Multiply Transfer mode (as it's called in
After Effects). Notice how the dark areas of the Ambient Occlusion pass help give contact
shadows and depth to the color pass. Voila!
This is a prime example of rendering different passes to achieve a more realistic result.
Remember, you needn't get everything in on a single pass. Use different layers to put your
final images together in composite. The more you work with CG, the easier it will be to
manage and plan.
You can see the difference Ambient Occlusion made to the living room image in the
color section of this topic and on the CD.
Figure 11.79
The masterlayer
render pass is
loaded into After
Effects.
