How to blur shadows - skydome with hdri map maxtoA?

[dina18]

Hi,

I am trying to make shadows more blurred, in particular to soften progressively - as they fall further from the object.

I see that it makes renders look much more realistic.

I tried using a "Decay filter" or a "light filter" with a "ambient occlusion light filter",

but it just lightened or darkened the scene without making any falloff in the shade.

I would like to know, is it possible to create shadow softening with a hdri skydome? It seems to me that an extra large sun would increase the shadow blur.

In addition, is there a way to set the contrast between the light and shadow (like Gamma in vray)?

Thank you

[madsd · Accepted solution]

Posting a new reply instead of the 12 reply deep stack.

I can do this in 2021, no problem.
Just make sure to wire it up correctly and it will work just fine.

The environment switcher has 2 maps, 1 for background the other for light, the light one can blur, while having a sharp background plate.

Here it works flawless, let me know if you are still stuck then we need to look into producing some more explicit walkthrough.

[dina18]

Great thanks,

I'm Looking forward for the maps!

[madsd]

I use the map I send over and the environment switcher from 2021.

since you have 2021, can you try this? You have the file needed.
If works, then move 1 version backsaving to 2020 and try there.

[dina18]

I actually tried that already and it didn't do anything,

Does it work by you?

What amount do you set in the blur section?

[madsd]

blurlightarnoldOSL.zip

Attached 2021 project setup and working.

[dina18]

It actually works! it does blur the shadows just as I wanted,

Thanks so much! that's amazing...

I copied the code into 3ds max 2020 and it also works, and looks natural and soft.

Thank you so much for all your efforts, and patients!!!!

[madsd]

Super 🙂

[luizaYM3K3]

You can blur HDRI Maps with HDR Light Studio plugin. It will even allow you to blur individual lights on a HDRI map, or if you want, a whole HDRI Map. The plugin can also be used to light your 3D scenes with area lights, and those can be blurred too.

Here is a good example of using HDR Light Studio to blur the sun on a HDRI Map to soften the shadows and reflections:

https://www.lightmap.co.uk/learning/diffuser_panel_effect/