Shader-Level Specular Contribution

[jamesearnest244]

Hi,

I'd like to turn off a specific shader's ability to show direct specular reflections (reflections of light sources), and have it only show indirect specular reflections (reflections of objects around it).

I need to do this at the shader level, and not at the light level, because this shouldn't apply to all shaders in the scene.

I've considered the rayswitch shader, but it doesn't separate direct/indirect specular.

Thanks for any tips!

[lee_griggs]

There is a separate indirect_specular here:

https://docs.arnoldrenderer.com/display/A5AFHUG/Advanced

[jamesearnest244]

Thanks Lee. This parameter allows you to control the amount of indirect specular. But I still get the reflection of the light sources on the object, even with Specular set at 0. Maybe this is because I'm dealing with a metallic object (Metallic set to 1)? Do you know how I can get rid of the reflection of the light source?

[lee_griggs]

If I disable the specular contribution of the light, I still get indirect_specular appearing in the sphere.

[jamesearnest244]

Right, but I do want this light to contribute specular to other shaders.

[lee_griggs]

You could link a different light to them or use LPEs/AOVs.

[jamesearnest244]

Great idea, it didn't occur to me. Thanks!