Artefact 1 "Morning After Dark" - Development and Evaluation

Development/Improvement of Images:

  

Final Images:

Evaluation:

The aim of my first two research artefacts was to question the popular assumption/theory that lighting is the most important factor when it comes to visual storytelling. My first artefact, specifically, was to explore the techniques involved in using lighting design alone to show a CG environment at a certain time of day and year – a winter morning. Through quick feedback from online sources and the small focus group in my presentation, I would discover how successful this can be and what atmosphere it may create for the viewer.

The main information that can answer my initial enquiry from the results from this first artefact is that, although lighting plays a very important role, other elements are also often needed to emphasise the specific atmosphere that you are trying to create. For instance, although I only received small amounts of anonymous feedback on my original rendered images, I knew instantly that I needed to tone down the lighting intensity and use other techniques to enhance this experiment. This could be achieved by adding other clues to the winter morning theme, such as using imagery for exterior window textures with snow and colder colours, or using post production and colour correction techniques.

The feedback I have received from my focus group during my presentation was mainly based on attention to detail to improve the quality and believability of the scene....

• Consistency in features - e.g. primary school decorations, secondary school style - which one?
• Ambient occlusion would make it feel softer and more realistic
• Bump maps on the walls could add more detail and make it less flat
• The volume light effect was very sharp and solid, perhaps use noise parameters to make it more believable?

From completing this first artefact I have also learned how lighting and colours can be perceived totally differently by other people in comparison to my own personal feelings. Therefore, I have realised that intensive research and feedback is always important when trying to mimic a specific time of day or year with lighting. I have also realised that using different renderers, textures, and types of light can easily affect the success and quality of the outcome, and that it is good to experiment with these in conjunction with post production techniques in order to gain a totally successful outcome.