tips to shade a headlight reflector

[wannabeArtist]

Hi,

I wasn't sure whether to post this here or the modeling forum, but I figured this is more a shader issue than anything else.

I'm trying to get believable headlights on my car, but the reflector seems to look a little weird.
I dont have blueprints for the headlights, so I've been doing this based on photographs, but it's possible there are some errors in the proportions. For instance, the "back wall" of the reflector might be too far deep, thus losing it's brightness.

It has a mia_material shader on it like almost everything on the car. I started out with Rork's fine chrome preset, but I've been playing with the values quite a bit (with very little success so far).

Any suggestions most welcome

Current attempt: http://i30.tinypic.com/28ldyip.jpg

Render tree: http://i26.tinypic.com/vnpaww.jpg

[Rork]

Why is the reflector bumped? Shouldn't the bump/relief be on the headlight (glass) instead?
The problem with the dark reflector could be from using FG. Try excluding the glass from the FG calculation, to see if that solves the problem. Have a look at the raytype node for stuff like this. If all fails, you could mix it with something like a constant to brighten things up.

I can recall a great MAX tutorial on building and shading headlights, cannot seem to find it atm though.

And thanks for the kind words, it seems the presets are used quite a bit

rob

[ardworx]

you could also try to adjust the fg multiplier in that headlight chrome shader or give it a brighter version of that envmap you are using.
greetz,
ardworx

[wannabeArtist]

Ah, sorry guys - I forgot to tick the notify box and just realized you answered!

Rob,

It just seems to be that way for this particular car model, check out this: http://i26.tinypic.com/25ss9oo.jpg

That picture is not the best reference, but basically the light has the reflector, a little plastic frame (the black part) and then a clear glass for cover.

Maybe you were referring to this? http://www.dmmultimedia.com/3dtips_04.htm - It's nice and I have read it too, it's just the other way around with the rippled glass.

Anyways, I got to try tweak those FG settings - here's my best attempt so far: http://wannabeartist.jalbum.net/3dAlbum ... road2.html
Obviously too dark for the tires and grills, but the reflector is a little better.

And you're welcome - those presets have helped me quite a bit!

Ardworx,

I am working on this - the trouble is the renders take a couple of hours with high settings, so experimenting takes time and patience