How can I make this more realistic

hwgs1971

I've been using Daz Studio for a year now and have progressed a lot but am still nowhere near the photo realism that so many of the Daz gurus make. I would appreciate any constructive criticism how I can modify this to make it more lifelike?

The model is Sasha. I am using Skin Builder, Altern8, and vellus although you really can't notice it here. This is my best attempt after a year but am still not happy with the realism.

hwgs1971

By the way this is a night scene, that's why it is dark. It is illuminated with e night scene HDRI and a couple of spotlights.

Catherine3678ab

I'm not an expert {y'all stop laughing} but I think the lighting needs some TLC. Rim light, additional lights because night scene or no, Iray needs a LOT of light to make a decent scene IMHO.

Putting some spheres, emission turned on and light values turned up, geometry cutout to something like 0.00001 - fast way to get some decent light in the scene. {the closer the sharper the shadows} {can make one such light and then more via instances} {not recommended to have them right in the visable scene though as some white pixels might then dust the room}

 

My 3D Spin

Turn the headlamp off on your Camera and place one or two Spot lights behind her.
to get some back light and shine on the skin. View your Actor through the Spot light to position them.

Also you can increase some light in the Tone mapping by increasing the Exposure value!

hwgs1971

Thanks for the suggestions. I am still experimenting, but after adding a couple of spotlights I cannot believe what a difference now. Everyone always says lighting, lighting, lighting, and it is true.