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title: "Dragon Lighting"
canonical: "https://rmanwiki-27.pixar.com/space/RU/656834669/Dragon%20Lighting"
format: markdown
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### Lighting

The lighting rig is rather simple. My main focus was to shape and outline the features of the dragon nicely. I opted for a slightly stronger rim light that accentuates the teeth and head plates to give it a more cinematic look. The key light is placed at a slight angle from the front with a directional fall of light to create hard shadows. I then used an HDRI for fill light, which helps avoid completely black areas.

![lights-breakdown.gif](media://f6796130-05a5-4e17-ad56-ecae2fd4aa1e)


> 📝 Tip 1: For a nicely balanced starting point, use a mid-gray material with a roughness of 0.65.

> 📝 Tip 2: Analyzing real-life studio photography can give you a good idea of light placement and settings.


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