Discussion: Ideas for Future Challenges

[olas72]

Just noticed this challenge. Would love to get in the next one, when is it planned to get started?

[vrheint]

I thought the 'Final Image thread/keeping the WIP thread open' worked really well! I thought the carnival was a good scene too. There was a lot to texture/shade, but the amount of time you gave us to work on it helped ease the strain. The plus to having such a big scene as this is the variety of compositions one can have as a result. These more elaborate scenes help us flex our director muscles. Thank you, Dan.

[djprasun]

Will the final gallery be shown at 3drender.com or some place else. Just curious as I would really hope that the final gallery be setup there. Anyways, getting a little bit nervous and impatient right now:scream:.

[technicolorgirl]

This carnival scene looks amazing. I hope Dan plugs it on the front page at some point.

After several "big" scenes in a row, a pure still life (only showing what's on one table in front of you) could be nice for variety. You could do the "Mad Science" challenge as a still-life, just what's on the scientist's lab bench.

Uday could test his SSS settings on the liquids or gels in the different test tubes and Petri dishes, and use a different SSS shader for the human brain in the jar.

-jeremy

I'd love to do "Mad Science"--I don't think we've had a chance to do liquids and caustics much. It would be quite the challenge.

[djprasun]

We can have an architectural style rendering theme. Or a cartoony theme. I really want to make a clean and crisp render. No mater how much I try my render doesn't have that architectural cleanness to it. I think we should try out different style of rendering as our theme.

[pankajkaintura43]

Well I agree with dj prasoon ........ we shld go for an architectural rendering..........

[a2arthur]

Cartoony theme sounds like colorfull lights!:lightbulb:)
I like it

[phillbilly]

Dan and Jeremy,
I really enjoyed the Carnival Challenge, most of the work you received was brilliant!
How about another public recreational setting, stadium, park, street market, playground? something like that!

thanks!

phill

[jojo1975]

Many thanks to dan and Jeremy for hosting the challenge, as always they did a great job ! really looking forward to next one !
jojo

[preetamsaha]

First I want to congratulate Mr. Konieczka for organizing a wonderful challenge and with such an exciting theme ! And me too eagerly waiting for the next challenge ! Is it going to be that Evil Scientist ??

[NuNe]

please hurry, i can't wait anymore ;)

[honestdom]

didn't know there was a lighting challenge :)

...i don't really spend much time on these forums tho. when does the next challenge start?

[kanooshka]

didn't know there was a lighting challenge :)

...i don't really spend much time on these forums tho. when does the next challenge start?

Welcome Honestdom! You just missed our previous challenge, Mad Science. You can still download the last challenge and post it in the WIP thread, but it won't be considered for the gallery. The next challenge will be starting in a week or two.

[honestdom]

hey thanks man,
if its only a week or two i can wait until then. :)

[Nymano]

Cool!

Just what I need before my school begin: Something to do my teeth on.

[jadrock]

sorry for not reading all the comments on this thread :wise:.....someone may have already shared this idea....but i would like to see a DISCO ROOM or PUB something like that as it has lots of lights and colors and sets different mood.... for future lighting challenges :thumbsup: .....Thank you All for Creating all Challenges

[Deje3D]

Hey Guys !

I just wanted to say this is a awesome chance to do some lighting :) I been doing some of the challenges my self in the time where i wasnt busy.

Anyway I wrote a Article about some top 5 tips I use when I am setting up a light, maybe it will be usefull for some of you guys:

http://poly-face.com/Article_3D_Lighting_-_5_Tips_On_How_To_Make_Great_3D_Lighting

[djprasun]

@Deje3D- Interesting article. Thanks for sharing!:cool:

[jadrock]

@Deje3D thanks a lot for sharing this article

[CBMarco]

I think a pub like jadrock said would be awesome, a lot of work with bottles and the overall mood of the pub.Maybe throw in a character or two ...

[grklena842]

Hey everyone! I just found out that there's lighting challenges! Great work everyone! I just tried downloading the cabin for maya and I just keep getting an error. Anyone else have that problem or know how to get around it?

Thanks!

[jeremybirn]

Welcome!

What kind of error? Did you get it during download, while extracting the RAR file, or when loading the scene into Maya?

[grklena842]

Thank you for the welcoming!

I downloaded the file and opened it with StuffItExpander and when i opened it with Maya 2010 I would get an error saying that the file can not be read.

[whiteg3]

Thank you for the welcoming!

I downloaded the file and opened it with StuffItExpander and when i opened it with Maya 2010 I would get an error saying that the file can not be read.


Did you check ignore version when opening it? I just tested it in 2010 and if you ignore version it should work. Hope that helps.

[grklena842]

thanks for the help! I still get an error but now the scene actually opens up. There's some error with the panZoom. I appreciate all the help!

[zmuh11]

thanks for the help! I still get an error but now the scene actually opens up. There's some error with the panZoom. I appreciate all the help!

I would select all the geometry and go file - export selection if you are using Maya. Sometimes that helps to get rid of any little bugs that might be bogging down your scene.

Hope that helps!

[zmuh11]

I think for the next challenge, or anyone coming up should include some kind of character. I loved lighting challenge #18 which had that robot character in it and I think it inspired some really awesome renders from the community.

[threeDeepond]

As there are lot talks and concerns about dooms day causing threat to the human mankind, i would opine to have a challenge that depicts the aftermath of dooms day or warning of dooms day..It would be fun to see how an individual visualizes the 'not-seen' dooms day.
Few more ideas can be like, global warming, an universe, " if time-machine was invented and the present generation travels to past or future",a futuristic visualization of technology.

I aint sure if these would make a good idea for the challenges( may be bcoz of the complexity of the models it would have)..but neways, i m inspired by the forum and challenges as well.I would try to keep myself updated and be part of the challenges..

Regards

[technicolorgirl]

How about a cultural/foreign setting? Like a French outdoor cafe? :)

[amtate]

I have to say i agree with two of the previous post about having the next challenge be something reminiscent of challenge #18. That does look like it was a fun one. I look forward to seeing what the next one will be. Thanks for doing these challenges, I have done several as exercises after the competition was over and and did get to actually enter one but still , i enjoy it.

[kanooshka]

Thanks for all the great ideas!

As always I'm on the lookout for modelers who would like to create our next challenge. Send me a PM if you're interested in helping out. Thanks!

[razzlovesall]

i just have a suggestion about future challenges.
i feel adding own models or making modifications to the models should not be allowed because that takes away the essence of a "challenge". i feel the challenge is to light the scene as it is given to you.if we make changes according to our own convenience then it does not remain a challenge. but its alright to move the model around and change camera angles. but making major changes in the models should not be allowed.

it is just a humble suggestion. but i HAVE TO say that you guys are doing a great job by putting up such challenges and those feedbacks are really very helpful for us to learn more.
thanks a lot. :)

[24-Bit Voxel]

Looking forward to the next challenge! This is my favorite section of cgtalk by far, even though I typically just lurk and check out the work. Any leads or cool ideas brewing? :beer:


adding own models or making modifications to the models should not be allowed because that takes away the essence of a "challenge"

I get what you mean but some of the artists on this board put in what must be 60+ hours on some of these challenges, and to have your render tarnished because the coins in kings bounty weren't fully round or chamfered is just a shame. (A great challenge too btw, unreal caustics on some of those diamonds!) Also it's hard to explain to a 3rd party without sounding like you are making excuses. Not sure if that's what you meant by major change. Many of the winners for these challenges didn't make major changes so I think the spirit is working out regardless. :)

[razzlovesall]

well i get what you mean, but i surely did not mean we cannot refine those models, may be smoothen it, adjust the material attributes...etc..but i have seen artists totally change the models, some of them completely replace them with their own and even add some more items in the scene, that i feel is not the right thing to do for a "challenge".

regards.

[PartisanFox]

Cave! Let's light some cave!

Like this one:
http://www.papermarc.com.au/images/mat-black-lg.jpg

Now we have to add some fancy lighting.

[Ashford]

Long post. Bonus points if you get through it.

I'd hoped to participate in the Cinema challenge, but I ran out of time. What I particularly liked about it was the fact it was character lighting, pretty much a staple, and that it was an interesting situation. I'm hoping more shots like this come along.

Supes and Directors get antsy when their TDs go 'off the reservation' and start making the shot into whatever they want it to be. Usually you've just got to make the shot that's in front of you look as good as you can get it.

Having said that, this is a learning exercise. Some results have been highly creative ideas taken from a common starting point, and it's been really interesting to see what people come up with. I think the question is, how do the participants want to treat the exercise.

From a feedback point of view, if you know what the goal of the shot is, it's easier to give feedback to get to that goal. If it's wild, then it's harder to judge the artist's intent. While I might work on one shot at a time, the shot still has to fit into a larger body of work. There might be many ways to light the shot to make it look pretty. Fewer of them will support the intent of the shot.

Perhaps a solution might be to offer a brief precis along with the shot, explaining what the 'sequence' the 'shot' fits into is about, and what the shot is to convey. Those that want to play along are 'allowed' to add details to the scene if it helps them sell the shot, and frame the shot to taste.

eg. "INT NIGHT. Closeup of Iggy over Sebastian's shoulder.
Mid-heist, Iggy reacts to the wail of alarms (offscreen, screen left), and looks to flee."

In that shot, you'd probably want to light it to try to capture Iggy's reaction as he realises he's got some leg work to do. You'd also want models and layout that captures that beat in the film.

If people then want to take the scene, disregard the precis, but want to make something out of the parts, good on them. No harm, no foul.

To offer some more alternatives, what would people think about having to light to a plate?
Or maybe having to light a relatively 'generic' set up as if it was part of some different films / tv shows? The Challenge picks a kind of shot trope (eg. horror scream) and offers a (generic) model / set, then the participants find and post the reference they want to recreate (so those following along can offer suggestions), then go at it? Maybe genders might be switched, maybe props might be missing. Regardless, is that horror scream you're doing Psycho (http://coupme.files.wordpress.com/2010/10/psycho-shower-scream.jpg), Scream (http://ptpotts.files.wordpress.com/2010/07/scream-scary.jpg), or Home Alone (http://i443.photobucket.com/albums/qq152/bluejaybirdie/home-alone-scream_o_GIFSoupcom.gif)?

[edited, came up with more]

[razzlovesall]

Supes and Directors get antsy when their TDs go 'off the reservation' and start making the shot into whatever they want it to be. Usually you've just got to make the shot that's in front of you look as good as you can get it.

u got it! ;)

[jeremybirn]

I'd hoped to participate in the Cinema challenge, but I ran out of time. What I particularly liked about it was the fact it was character lighting, pretty much a staple, and that it was an interesting situation. I'm hoping more shots like this come along.
I agree! Dan really hit it out of the park with modeling a great, character-oriented challenge. This was exactly what we need more of. I regret that I was in the last weeks of a production during this challenge, and didn't get time to give feedback or participate myself.



Perhaps a solution might be to offer a brief precis along with the shot, explaining what the 'sequence' the 'shot' fits into is about, and what the shot is to convey. Those that want to play along are 'allowed' to add details to the scene if it helps them sell the shot, and frame the shot to taste.

eg. "INT NIGHT. Closeup of Iggy over Sebastian's shoulder.
Mid-heist, Iggy reacts to the wail of alarms (offscreen, screen left), and looks to flee."
I agree again. I tried something like that for Challenge #4:
http://forums.cgsociety.org/showthread.php?f=185&t=315513
Based on the script, people lit the scene for the romantic, the horror, the sci-fi, etc. Providing a script fragment makes the exercise closer to each person being the director and art director of the film.

I also like the idea of providing images to match. Some visual reference (maybe stills from the kid watching the movie in Up, Cinema Paradiso, Purple Rose of Cairo, etc.) could give more specific guidance.

While creative direction could have been missing, I think really a lack of experience and direction in lighting characters was the bigger problem on this one. I wasn't able to put together a gallery of winners from this one, even though some people were off to promising starts. Prepping a character model for rendering, with shaders and textures on eyes, skin, and clothing, hair set-up, etc. takes a lot of time, but then even people who made it through that, but hadn't really lit characters before, still didn't really seem to have a solid idea of what to do next. I suspect that more step-by-step instructions on topics like how the fill light should work on back-lit characters, maybe combined with a request that people post light-by-light breakdowns and then more feedback from people who light characters a lot, could have created a more successful outcome. Some of these ideas would put even more demand on hosting these challenges, though: these are just supposed to be a fun, collaborative contest, and are not advertised as a full course or a free on-line workshop for all the participants. Over time, I think people do get better at lighting characters with practice, though. I hope we keep tackling character-oriented challenges when possible, maybe even re-using some of the same characters in new settings, until more people master the process.

-jeremy

[CHRiTTeR]

How about a bar or a club? I think that would be an intresting thing to light as most of those places have specific designed lighting to add to a cerain mood.

Although modeling a decent one, might be quite some work...

[CPFitz14]

A bar would be incredible. Lots of different shaped glasses, bottles, mugs, etc. Interesting lighting, maybe some neon signs.

[24-Bit Voxel]

I love having a character in the scenes, so I'm really happy we're talking about having more of those. I've got a few ideas for challenges.

-Underwater or icy scene (maybe tropic reef or a frozen city)
-funhouse (mirrors and gags etc)
-dungeon
-deep forest or jungle village
-desert / ancient Egypt

Just a few ideas. Whatever gets chosen in the end, if you need someone to do a few models for it I'd be happy to help.

[djprasun]

I loved the cabin. Maybe we should switch to a challenge which is heavy on the environment. Rarely have we seen a challenge where we have seen that its completely dedicated towards environment. I might suggest a topic
- Alien planet where one of our space ship have just landed. It won't take much of time to model as it will only require to create a spaceship and a flat plane. We will create our own environment with the plane as none of use will just 'texture' the given model, they will create something new. It could be something new.
something like this
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-L64-0sXFEtA/TYQytdVwSOI/AAAAAAAAEN0/Bs89lXSBRcA/s1600/ForbPlanet-spaceship+design+art.jpg

[kanooshka]

Happy to see a good discussion going on in this thread.

Concerning the freedom of changing the scene. The reasons I think we should keep the challenges open to changes of both the scene and camera angles is to spark some more creativity, keep the images from getting to repetitive and to keep the challenges to the casual manner that encourages each member to give feedback to each others work. Maybe in the future we could try to limit the models and angles and see how things go, it's worth trying out.

For the next challenge I'll most likely make a selection of scripts similar to what was done with Lighting Challenge #4.

As far as the proposed bar or other scene ideas. I'm very open to what people would like to light. If someone would like to model this scene or another or has a scene they'd like to donate. Please email or direct message me and we may be able to use it for one of the challenges.

-Dan

[jadrock]

Lighting a Scene with the help of Scripts must be Challenging...looking forward for it...

[Kungfuuu]

hi guyz i wat to participate in challenge and want to increase my skills further.If any challenges are ging on than plzz let me Know

Thanks.

[jojo1975]

we could ask to HCM forum to donate some winners model :) that could be very funny :)

[CHRiTTeR]

we could ask to HCM forum to donate some winners model :) that could be very funny :)

Yes, but correct me if im wrong (i dont follow the HCM forum allot) but i dont think they model allot of full scenes? just single objects and characters?

[FeD]

ha, i'am not posting often here, but the idea of Jojo is very good, a realy detailled caracter could be a nice challenge, and creating a little environnement for it would not be a big deal i think.

+1 for jojo's idea ;)

[RadVfx]

Want to really challenge your brain and shader-use knowledge? Here's a challenge...

Photorealistic. No maps.

What do you think of that one?

Cheers.
- Jimbo

[Kungfuuu]

hi
it would be gr8 to do relaistic lightings

[LBcover]

Any eta's for the next challenge? It's been a bit since the last one.

[Numptus1]

I have to say that I think these challenges have been dying in the last few months. Perhaps an environment to light and render that doesn't look like it was thrown together in five minutes.

An environment with an extensive level of detail that would allow the renderer options of either rendering a wider view or more localised view of the chosen subject.

[andrewkennedy]

I totally agree with Numptus. The submissions for this past challenge were rather boring to look at simply because there were only one or two really good camera angles. A scene more full of objects and possibly greater in scale would really help bring some diversity in. I'd be interested in lighting some sort of high fantasy scene or perhaps an alien landscape. Something that we don't get to see everyday. I like the sort of normal-looking day-to-day scenes that are posted but something more along the lines of the sci-fi scene would be fun to work on.

From what I can discern, there have been 4 challenges a year on a pretty regular schedule. The matinee came out in February; where is our new challenge? If we can't get our own scene, something like jojo's idea seems acceptable.

[WilliamGS]

Agreed, I'm totally ready for a new challenge. I finally have the time to give this one a go, so I'm just waiting to see what we get. There's certainly been some challenges I've been interested in more than others, but I'm not too picky, it's free. Rocks, plants, maybe a good building exteriror/interior? Just wanted to say that I'm looking forward to it.

[kanooshka]

I think it's important to keep in mind that all these challenges have been models donated by various individuals who have given their free time to help out. It's difficult for me to criticize any of these challenges for that exact reason. If anyone is willing to take a try at modeling a scene they'd like to use, by all means, go for it.

Right now I'm in a production crunch but I'll be out of it soon. I don't have a date yet for the next challenge, but they will probably be happening less frequently and be for longer periods of time.

[zrainish]

Hello,
I would like to offer a scene for a challange.
please let me know if you are interested
I've attached a print screen
http://imageshack.us/f/854/lightchallange.jpg/http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/854/lightchallange.jpg/
http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/854/lightchallange.jpg/


(http://forums.cgsociety.org/Link)

[FeD]

Personnaly, i like it, if it happen to be the next lithing challenge, i'll give it a try ;)

(maybe juste change the "T"pose of the caratacter to the left)

[jadrock]

thnks zrainish...i also liked the model scene for the challenge...will be fun to light it...

[gustavoeb]

cool! I vote for it! I just think there are too many characters considering the time frame of this challanges, maybe only one or no characters at all would be preferable.

[neonbulbs]

@zrainish : That's a nice model to light. I vote for that too.

Cheers..

[CHRiTTeR]

i agree, you can count my vote also

[zrainish]

Ok then
I'm not sure how it usually works but it seems like alot of time
without a challange, or a reply from one of the forum leaders...
what should be then next step here ?

[kanooshka]

Sorry I haven't been around, life's been a little hectic the past few months. I'll gladly use the scene provided if you would like to. I'll take a look at the model and possibly get the challenge started this weekend.

-Dan

[zrainish]

:thumbsup:
sent you a pm with a link to the model

[CHRiTTeR]

awesome news

[evolutie]

For a future challenge I'd like to second the idea of an underwater scene!
(provided someone can donate such scene)
I also love the '4 scripts' idea.
Should we ever dare to light a human head, I can donate one ..

[Mirco83]

My idea: Make this challenge a Real Challenge. I think this challenge haven't any incentives if we compare it to the past challenges,in which there was Jeremy Birn as sort of Judge.
The best images were showed in his homepage,and I think it was a sort of incentive:"my image on the homepage on one of the great lighters in the world?", is not true?
What about now? In think lighting challenge have become simple WIP Threads.
By the way, this is only my opinion..
Cheers,
Mirco

[evolutie]

Hi Mirco,
For me the incentive of the challenge is to learn, get feedback and have fun..
That being said, I'm sure there are people who share your opinion...

bests,
evo

[jeremybirn]

For a future challenge I'd like to second the idea of an underwater scene!
(provided someone can donate such scene)
I also love the '4 scripts' idea.

The underwater scene was Challenge #5 and four scripts was Challenge #2. You can download the models from here if you want them:
http://www.3drender.com/challenges/index.htm

-jeremy

[csmallfield]

Any idea on when a new challenge might be starting? As for suggestions, maybe something epicly large, scale is always a good lighting challenge. Examples, the giant ring around the planet in Halo, inside a moon sized spaceship, looking up out of the grand canyon etc. etc.

-Chris

[doodlerboy]

I like idea. I think we could also all benefit from lighting a 3D scene/objects within a live action footage.

[nitz3D]

Hi All...

Me to have got some ideas for next challenge.. see if you guys like it and someone could provide the 3d models for it... it could be a great challenge...

1- Tunnels
http://newenglandoddities.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/05/clinton-train-tunnel-2008-05-10-03.jpg
http://photoeverywhere.co.uk/britain/walesgeneral/conway_tunnel4402.JPG


2-Subways

http://dome.mit.edu/bitstream/handle/1721.3/35339/KL_001750_cp.jpg?sequence=2
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/cb/HK_MTR_ETST_Mody_Road_Subway_Yellow_Zone.jpg

[gustavoeb]

Like the subway idea :)

But as you pointed out it all depends on somewone making a model available. Crossing my fingers for a good new challenge, I think I might have time to join this one :bounce:

[kanooshka]

Hey Guys,

Hoping to start one next weekend if all goes according to plan. It's going to be a good one!

[kanooshka]

A subway environment sounds like a great idea for a challenge. Let me know if someone would like to model it.

[TheOutsider]

We should get an arrangement with some modelers on the forum doing really amazing models in modelling challengues (Gusteau's Kitchen!! Amazing) . As a ligher It's really hard to me to find better challenge than that.

I guess it´s not that easy. Shame :) . Anyway, I hope someone find time to model something nice.

Thanks for your plenty effort.

[papagyi]

Hi all ,
Can i provide model for subway(black&white) photo sample ?
How much times can you give me ? Then may i know about the detail elements for modeling? I will use 3ds max 2009 for modeling.
Here is my portfolio..http://papagyi20477.blogspot.com

[kanooshka]

TheOutsider: That's a good idea, I'll see what I can do.

papagyi: I'll send you an email so we can discuss. What's your email address?

[papagyi]

ok...Dude
My contact is engwaiphyo@gmail.com

[papagyi]

Ok dude,
My email is engwaiphyo@gmail.com .Thk :)

[razzlovesall]

@kanooshka- when will the results of challenge #27 be announced? or will there be any results at all?

[kanooshka]

@kanooshka- when will the results of challenge #27 be announced? or will there be any results at all?

Unfortunately I don't think there will be a gallery. There were too few final entries to warrant a selection. I hope in future challenges there will be more entries.

-Dan