Chaos Corona Forum

Chaos Corona for Cinema 4D => [C4D] General Discussion => Topic started by: Pepelecrabb on 2017-10-13, 17:03:17

Title: How do I make an infinite surface with shadowcatcher
Post by: Pepelecrabb on 2017-10-13, 17:03:17

Need to make an infinite white studio surface.

Thanks

Title: Re: How do I make an infinite surface with shadowcatcher
Post by: Nejc Kilar on 2017-10-13, 17:20:44

Hey,

First create a large floor (I use a giant plane). Then apply the Corona "Shadowcatcher Material" to the said floor. Inside the Shadowcatcher set the mode to "Enviornment", Alpha mode to "Always Solid". Then plug in a basic corona material that will define the background (Usually its just a white diffuse material). Open up the render settings and under "Scene environment" find "Direct visibility override". In there plug in that same basic corona material. Adjust that for the color of the background.

The plane is what is going to catch the shadows so technically you just need a "big enough" plane so that it covers all the areas where the objects will cast shadows. The basic material you'll apply will define the background which will match the floor so you won't see any seams of where the floor ends.

Hope that helps ;)

Title: Re: How do I make an infinite surface with shadowcatcher
Post by: Pepelecrabb on 2017-10-13, 19:18:10

Thanks so much for the help, but I am still getting a seam. Here is a scene file.

Title: Re: How do I make an infinite surface with shadowcatcher
Post by: burnin on 2017-10-13, 21:23:14

modified your scene a bit (attached)
(https://i.imgur.com/7wddfOk.jpg)

note:
- observe how lights in Corona behave (they also create shadows)
- avoid using pure white, creates issues with shadow catcher - bright areas
- every object in the scene throwing a shadow has an impact on the shadow catcher

take care

Title: Re: How do I make an infinite surface with shadowcatcher
Post by: Pepelecrabb on 2017-10-13, 22:39:58

Thank you for you time. Duly noted. I did notice that if I removed everything except the overhead light that the seamless background would be achieved. So I could see that my fill cards were causing shadows as well.

All the best,
Mike