This post is dedicated for my process to create this project. Scroll down for each update.
This is the screenshot of my final node graph.
- Update 5 - April 10, 2020
After I finished with the grey ball, I decided to use other 3D models for this project. I downloaded 2 models, the BB-8 from free3d.com which was uploaded by steve1244 and the Pepsi can from turbosquid.com which is uploaded by Mihai Panait.
I animated both models and here are the pre-visualization of the animation!
Then, I rendered it by layer also AOV passes for the beauty pass. I did some color grading for the contact and the environment shadows using Nuke.
I use the same nodes from Update 4, but I changed the media. I revised the parameters in ZDefocus node so that it has the correct depth of field. Here is the first version of my final video for Project 1!
- Challenges and Mistakes -
After I rendered it and compositing it in Nuke, I saw a flicker black dots on the BB-8. It turns out that I merge the shadow over the beauty pass. Also, I wanted to convey a blue color from the reflection of the Pepsi can on the BB-8 so it would look more realistic, I guess.
- Update 4 - April 9, 2020
Using Nuke, I was able to revised the double shadow on the sphere and I also added some depth of field. Using color correct node, I adjust the shadow so it matches the environment shadow
Here is the result of the updated version!
- Update 3 - April 8, 2020
In this update, I learned how to create the shadow from the environment. Using the clean background plate and viewing from the key light, I was able to recreate the pattern of the shadow using Photoshop and Nuke.
The result of looking at the clean plate from the key light.
After that, I brought the image to Photoshop and color the shadow red so it makes me easier when creating the alpha. I used the image result for a new texture and I applied it to the sphere so that I can use it to create a mask for the shadow in Nuke.
Then, I create an simple rolling animation for the ball and this is the result
- Challenges and Mistakes -
I think the shadow on the sphere is weird and appears to be incorrect. If it is incorrect, I will definitely find what's wrong with it and fix it. Also, I already rendered out the AOV passes for the beauty pass but I still have not found out how to deal with the double shadow on the sphere.
- Update 2 - April 3, 2020
In this update, I created an HDR image using Adobe Photoshop and used it to give my scene in Maya the first light source. I also created a spotlight for the key light. I learned about render layers and how to put them together in Nuke.
This is the image that I use for the 'World Dome' in my Maya scene. Using this image and new key light to match the sun, I have the light source for my scene. Then, I created a CG sphere to match the reference photo.
Since Sarah already has the HDR image for this template, I only need to adjust more on the spot light so it matches the shadow with the reference. For the render layers: beauty, shadow , and occlusion layer, I used different shaders for the ground plane for each layer.
After that, I composited them in Nuke and did some color grading to the shadow so it matches the reference.
Here is the result! The left image is all CG ( Ball, Shadow, Occlusion) and the right image is the reference. I think the spotlight is a bit too bright, so maybe I can tone it down a bit in Maya.
- Challenges and Mistakes -
I decided to change my scene because it does not have an HDR that matches the scene very well. I think the new set is much better because it has it's own HDR and will definitely minimize the challenges for the next steps. I was still able to use my old scene, but I need to update the camera settings, camera placement, image plane and also the intensity of the light source.
- Update 1 - March 31, 2020
For this project, I'm going to integrate a CG object into a real-life background plate. I think the biggest challenge for me is to create a CG shadow that will be projected to my chosen CG objects. I know that learning new stuff through virtual classes is tough, but I was hoping that this could be an exciting challenge for me.
This background plate is from my professor's resource library. I would love to shot the plate and create a light integration kit by myself, but because of the current circumstances, I won't be able to do that. This plate was shot by Sarah. I chose this image because of the clear distinct shadow pattern that the fence created and I think it will be a challenge considering the viewer will notice right away if the shadow is not correct.
With the metadata of the background plate, I have the focal length, the resolution of the picture and what type of camera that was used. Using that information, I was able to create a CG cube and match the cube position with the reference photo. It seems like an easy job but it is not. I had a bunch of camera roll, tweaking, and dolly-ing to get a similar location and rotation with the reference cube.
I'm still brainstorming about what round CG object that I will use in this project. So, that is what I'm going to do next, choose the object.