[Dave_3]

I'll write the answer out before posting - just to make sure I am clear.

Do you have Stitcher ?

D.

Originally Posted by E92Fan

Explain the chrome ball / 180 degree view bit... I can take multiple exposures at let's say a 9 frame bracket around ideal, and 360 degrees round horizontally, then stitch the horizontal frames together at each exposure level... that would then give a 360 degree panoramic frame at 9 different exposures... is that what you mean ??

[E92Fan]

Originally Posted by Dave_3

I'll write the answer out before posting - just to make sure I am clear.

Do you have Stitcher ?

D.

Yes, but I actually prefer stitching manually...

[E92Fan]

Going to have some time this weekend, so will head to take some pics... have you worked out how to tell me what to do yet?!!!

[Dave_3]

OK Tony, here is ideally what I could use.

There are 2 main components.

1. The actual backplate.

This will be the image I place the model into. Some nice variations on this would be great. Low angles, different angle lens (I can get the basic information from teh raw files - Canon software usually records aperture, lens, etc.).

It would be great to have at least 6 differnt exposures (simply going up and down in f-stop increments from the mid value). I could then create a real HDRI, where I can adjust the visible exposure point.

If this is impractical, then a simple bracketed shot would be great. It all makes balancing the exposures and intensities of the backplate image with the environment image easier.

The actual composition of this backplate should be just like a real shot witha car in. Not too many distinct foreground objects.


2. The environment map

This is what you will see in the reflections - and can really make teh final result come to life. For the reflections I am mapping out from a single point (subject/centre of back plate) to a wide area. To get good results this should be as big as possible.

And this really should be finally assembled as a real HDRI (32 bit) image. When I have it as a real HDRI I can actually use it to calculate and use ambient light in the scene directly from the image.

There are 2 ways I can use this map:

a) As a full 360 degree spehrical map, and also as a 180 degree cylindrical map. Sperical would be best.

b) As a chrome ball map - 180 spherical view looking directly back out from the subject to teh camera - see the attached example. I actually used a large gazing globe from a graden centre mounted on a tri-pod. I usually mount this at the same location as the subject will be, then zoom in to avoid having a large reflected image of myself. This is why I asked if anybody has a fish-eye lens because you could then skip the ball (and its imperfections) and take a direct shot from teh centre of the backplate.


Using (a) I can retain one environmnet map and move around the subject, only needing to change the backplate.

uisng (b) I would need a backplate for each chrome ball view (within reason, there is a bit of flexibilty).


When I have the above I can blend the 2 images together in my software to create an environment, adjust exposure and light settings to get a very realistic final image.

Let me know if I have missed something out.

The images below show : backplate, mirror ball, and combined output. And this is using non-descript, rough images - and not even HDRIs. Quickly rendered. Nicely shot images in vary light conditions using HDRIs can look superb.

I appreciate any help in collecting good locations If I use them I will give full credit to the photographer. Thanks.

D.

[AJerman]

Wow, I feel sorry for all the people that don't read all the board, and miss the UK OT section. You do some absolutely amazing work there Dave. I love the progress so far and can't wait to see more as you finish.

[Dave_3]

No time for any modelling ... so popped out to the Man theatre to catch a movie ...

D.

[Steve A]

Originally Posted by Dave_3

No time for any modelling ... so popped out to the Man theatre to catch a movie ...

D.

It looks like youve been modding, i see you have one of those invisible rear axels

BTW Dave it looks fantastic

[SoYank]

Dave, do you really have ten lugbolts on your wheels?

[Dave_3]

Originally Posted by SoYank

Dave, do you really have ten lugbolts on your wheels?

It is just a technical thing, as I am taking advantage of symmetry lines. So at the moment there are 2x the actual wheel nuts.

It will be completely accurate when I weld the different pieces together, at the moment each wheel is made up of a piece that is mirrored in its own axis, then arrayed another 10 times. This means that any adjustments ripple through the instances ... when I am happy, I will weld a subset together and adjust that for the spokes that don't end in a wheel nut, then array that 5x. Finally welding the wheel together.

Method in my madness.

D.

[vivekk]

Beautiful work, Dave.

BTW- Could you model Carlos to fit inside?



Viv

[Porscha!]

ROFL that has got to be the funniest photoshop ever, well apart from Officer Dingle and that one with Boo and a pig

That has GOT to be posted on PH .........

[SoYank]

Oh, sacrilege!!!!

[mikem]

Would be better if the caption said "Fook me, this is quicker than the DXB"

[vivekk]

Originally Posted by mikem

Would be better if the caption said "Fook me, this is quicker than the DXB"

I've edited it for you, Mike.

Viv

[vivekk]

Originally Posted by Porscha!

ROFL that has got to be the funniest photoshop ever, well apart from Officer Dingle and that one with Boo and a pig

That has GOT to be posted on PH .........

I think this is the one that should go on PH, Porscha:



Viv

[Porscha!]

Love it

And the dxb one too

[vivekk]

Dave has been hard at work modelling the M3, so it's a shame he's allowed me to 'abuse' one of his beautiful renderings:

Thanks go to Matt for the 'dodgy policeman' shot.



Viv

[E92Fan]

Viv... I see you've really made best use of the Bank Holiday Monday!!!

ps... small white box with red letters has arrived in Blighty... courtesy of 'Rents Express!

[mjh93sa]

Originally Posted by E92Fan

ps... small white box with red letters has arrived in Blighty... courtesy of 'Rents Express!

What the f-stop is that then?

[vivekk]

Originally Posted by E92Fan

Viv... I see you've really made best use of the Bank Holiday Monday!!!

ps... small white box with red letters has arrived in Blighty... courtesy of 'Rents Express!

Looking forward to having a 'play' with the contents of that box, Tony. Please thank your parents for me.


Viv

[E92Fan]

Originally Posted by mjh93sa

What the f-stop is that then?

Never you mind

Incidentally, I also received a box - gold coloured, with black writing and a little yellow emblem. I think it's a f-ing 2.8 or something... seem to remember it's ultra-wide and variable too...!!!

[vivekk]

Originally Posted by E92Fan

Never you mind

Incidentally, I also received a box - gold coloured, with black writing and a little yellow emblem. I think it's a f-ing 2.8 or something... seem to remember it's ultra-wide and variable too...!!!

Roll on UK6.

Viv