Reflection questions
 

How can I make reflections of objects that aren't actually modeled? For example make a reflection of a window or other objects? Do I need to use HDRI for that? Are HDRI visible in reflections?
Also, how can I make a bright shiny specular or reflection such as from the sun?
Thanks in advance,
Benny

yes hdri

You can use any image for reflections, not just HDR's.

As for the sunlight question, I would think thats more down to material properties.

Thanks
Isn't it all about material properties? What do you mean by that?
Benny

Well if you think of a material like say plain wood, it doesnt have much spec so using a blin you would alter the settings to suit, if its say galss, again using a blin you would alther the spec roll off etc etc to suit the material.

Theres a great texturing articl by leigh van der byl, heres the link

http://www.leighvanderbyl.com/tutorials.html

have a look in the articles section, should give a better description of the material properties and how they realye to real worls materials.

So if I take it right, you want to see the reflections of other objects without modeling them? It can idd be done via HDRI or a plain with a texture. Or postediting. But I don't think it can be done in any other way than this.

Good luck!

hehe, I already read that.
Problem with regular specular is that you don't get the drastic effect you get when you look at (for example) a car in the afternoon...
Benny

fresnel effect

Thanks, I was wondering how to do that :bow:
But it's not what I was looking for. Here's an example of what I mean:
http://img517.imageshack.us/img517/1374/tempfk5.jpg
Can I do that with material properties? I know I can get similar effect with light glow but that won't be consistent...
Thanks in advance,
Benny

You should be able to.

I did some more testing... apparently Mental Ray doesn't work with glow at all...
Does anyone know how then?

I found something to read in my free time :)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lens_flare?
Benny

I stumbled across something which I think may help:
http://www.thegnomonworkshop.com/news/?p=130
Benny