Lighting is everything in 3D modeling, especially if you want your scenes and models to look realistic. Here's how to master lighting in Magic Poser.

When it comes to digital 3D modeling, lighting is an essential element. Without lighting, there would be no three-dimension, because lighting is needed for us to perceive the depth of an object in the sense of height, width, and length. Especially when that object is projected on a two-dimensional surface like a digital screen.

In this step-by-step guide, we're going to show you how to adjust the lighting in Magic Poser so that you can create convincing 3D scenes.

First, download the app. For this tutorial, we are using the iOS version of Magic Poser.

Download: Magic Poser for Android | iOS (Free, in-app purchases available)

To adjust the lighting, you first need to find the source of light. When you begin a project in Magic Poser, the light source is already added to the scene. The default light source is Directional light in the shape of four yellow arrows, and it can be found directly to the right of your model.

If you have never used Magic Poser before, check out our article that tells you everything you need to know about this 3D posing app.

Magic Poser offers three light options: Directional light, Point light, and Spot light. If you want to change the default light, you will first have to remove the light that is already there:

You should notice that the light disappears from the scene.

Once you have deleted the default light, you can go ahead and add in other lighting (or you can add another light to the scene without removing the default):

Keep in mind that your light source should reflect your environment because the highlights and shadows they create are expressed through your props and models. So using Point lighting as a source of sunlight outdoors would produce an unrealistic effect.

The direction of light flow is important for creating realistic-looking scenes. For instance, if you are using a prop in your scene that emits light (such as a lamp), you want the light to appear as if it is coming from that source, otherwise, the scene won't be convincing. To give you an example, we have added the Japanese Old Lamp prop to the grid.

Once you have decided where your source of light comes from, you can move the light to that prop or area:

The light source can also be moved by dragging it to position with your finger or smart-pen, but this way is less accurate. Also, note that Directional light is not affected by moving the light source, so your highlights and shadows will stay the same as before even when the light is in a new area on the grid.

If you're unfamiliar with posing models, have a look at the various ways you can pose a model in Magic Poser.

Rotating the light is a necessary step because it determines in which direction the light flows:

You should notice that the direction of light changes, highlighting new areas and creating new shadows. If you are using Point light, however, then Rotate will have no effect since the light flow is radial.

When your light source is in the correct position on the grid, you can go ahead and scale it up or down. Note that scaling the light does not actually affect the flow of light at all, but it can be helpful if you want to make the light source near invisible, or if you need it larger so that it's easier to find.

To scale the light source:

When you're finally happy with the placement, size, and direction of light flow, you can adjust the brightness and color.

The brightness settings differ slightly depending on which light type you choose. For the Point light we've used in this guide, the Brightness tool has two parts: the first is Brightness, which adjusts the amount of light emitted from the light source, and the second is Radius, which determines the circumference of light. You can adjust both of these settings:

The color of light can also be changed, so instead of the default white light, you could choose a warmer tone like orange, or even an atypical light color such as green:

Magic Poser also has the option to adjust the time of day and strength of light, which affects the background lighting:

This feature is particularly handy if your scene takes place outdoors, because it can create the illusion of sunsets and sunrises, as well as subtly adjust the saturation.

There really is so much you can do with 3D modeling: just have a look at the different ways 3D modeling is changing our world.

Whatever you decide to create in Magic Poser, lighting can really take you that extra step further. The way the lighting interacts with your models and props has a profound effect on the mood, tone, and authenticity of your creation, so make sure to light the way, and you're guaranteed to create the perfect scene.

Shannon began freelancing as a content writer in 2020 and obtained her BA in Creative Writing the following year. She has collaborated on various projects of a broad spectrum. Outside of work, Shannon dabbles in music production, digital illustration, and photography.

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