LW shader settings - reflectance

[Anonymous]

hi. please let me know what you think of the attached floor plan. i am also looking for tips on how to use the main 'reflectance' shader settings in LW. under reflectance there are settings for 'ambient', 'diffuse' and 'specular' (these i think are the important ones right?). i have tested MANY different combinations and am beginning to understand what they mean but would like a quick explanation of what they actually (technically) do. for example, how can i make the leather sofa brighter?

i am keen on using as few light sources as possible so i would prefer not to add any as it takes ages to render otherwise. in the attached image i only use the skylight object. no other software used - just archicad (and image sharpened in editing software). i will post another image shortly with sunlight object added with shadows...

in LW main panel sun and camera switched off. i use ambient light and skyobject/sunobject only

i am self taught and have no architecture background at all and merely use ac10 to design and build my own projects so plain english please :wink:

be fair but be firm!

[Anonymous]

here is the one with sunobject added...

do you prefer with or without shadows?

[Dwight]

Sun Object: If you have Archicad 10, use the sun shader "realistic" instead of a sun object. Adjust the shadows and convergence to suit.

Reflectance:

LightWorks images can get pretty dark if you don't use some Ambient light. The ambient reflectance parameter reflects this type of light only and keeps shadow areas lighter.

Diffuse reflectance is reflectance of all light energy equally and Specular is what makes shiny glow points.

Without being a salesman, you would really benefit from my book that addresses all of these issues with particular emphasis on how the three kinds of reflectance work.

[Anonymous]

hi Dwight, thanks for the tip.

i've been busy building a house which is why i've been away so long but i'll take your advice into consideration next time...