Making good looking shadows?

[lingare]

Hi!

 

I have just started learning some 3D modeling with AutoCAD and made this 3D model. But I've understood that it isn't easy to make good looking shadows. In this picture all shadows are waaaay too dark - black for being exactly. So is there an easy way or do I need a course or a book to read? Any guiding or help is welcome!

[PS_Port]

This is a bit old but you may find it usefull.

 

http://www.cadtutor.net/tutorials/autocad/all-about-shadows.php

[mugshot]

u are using civil 3d. try typing SUNPROPERTIES, there u can set the shadows cast and shadow color...

[papagyi]

Hi!

 

I have just started learning some 3D modeling with AutoCAD and made this 3D model. But I've understood that it isn't easy to make good looking shadows. In this picture all shadows are waaaay too dark - black for being exactly. So is there an easy way or do I need a course or a book to read? Any guiding or help is welcome!

What lights you used?May i see your light setting screen shot.Then may i see your render setting dialog box .

[Noahma]

I agree with the lighting units, turn on your sun, turn on sky and global illumination, and move your sun around (the help file can help you find these dialog boxes.)

 

in the advanced render settings set your shadows to soft, and you should have some nice lighting.

[mugshot]

... on the sun properties, use the 9-10 am sunshine, on the geographical location, just turn the angle for nice view of the shadow.

[lingare]

I agree with the lighting units, turn on your sun, turn on sky and global illumination, and move your sun around (the help file can help you find these dialog boxes.)

 

in the advanced render settings set your shadows to soft, and you should have some nice lighting.

 

 

I turned on the Sky and global illumination thingy and tada! But the shadow from the trees are still too dark, but that maybe has todo with the construction of the trees? Now I can move on with my school project

[Lazarus]

I think that it's better just to use Final Gather for exterior renders.Turn your Global Illumination off and turn on FG.For example use ~200 rays and see what happens.But like you said you'll never get great and realistic looking shadows from solid trees.

[papagyi]

You should change your solid tree to another like real.

[Noahma]

you might be able to make your trees more translucent which would let more light through. might look weird though

[design-engine]

The Trick with shadows is not to over do them. Hold your hand over your desk with a spot light over you. Notice the defused shadow on the table. Move your hand up and down and notice the shadow change. Now imagine what a shadow would look like off the sun onto a tree.

[mugshot]

u add this one...