HDRI - Can teach an old dog new tricks

[CKemu]

HDRI (High Dynamic Range Image) is an extremely usefull method of producing 'realistic' lighting and GI (Global Illumination) in 3D Studio Max R6 (or above), either with Mental Ray / Scanline / Brazil renderers.

Been teaching myself the basics of setting up a scene to use HDRI.

A general simple explination of HDRI can be found here (http://www.trinisica.com/sub_learn_typedissue.asp?lv=3&mode=1&issue=002)

Oh and check out this cute little swf here (http://www.ckemu.com/public/robo/vrviewer.html)
(thanks to emuplanet for editing his VRviewer to work with this project)



http://www.ckemu.com/public/HDRI01.jpg
http://www.ckemu.com/public/HDRI02.jpg
http://www.ckemu.com/public/HDRI03.jpg
http://www.ckemu.com/public/HDRI04.jpg
http://www.ckemu.com/public/HDRI05.jpg
http://www.ckemu.com/public/HDRI06.jpg
http://www.ckemu.com/public/HDRI07.jpg

[Rom Manic]

They all have close to non-existent shadows, especially that guy standing up.

But not bad. I don't use 3D modeling (I can't draw), so I won't use it. The lighing DOES look pretty real and awesome.