Sun Reflection

[Maryam]

Here is a quick tip to create Sun Reflection on water.

http://www.mattepainting.org/tips/sun_tut_01.jpg

You can always play arround with colors, the same as this version

http://www.mattepainting.org/tips/sun_tut_02.jpg

or add blur effects and ...

and here (http://www.mattepainting.org/tips/sun_tut_00.zip) is the PSD file.

[Maryam]

Same techniques can be used to remove color spill
Just use the adjustment layers and paint a mask for them.
Here is a quick example to improve a shot.

http://mattepainting.org/tips/lens.jpg

[ehsan]

hey this is great ... I didnt know this ...

[nickmarshallvfx]

This is why the mods are gods ;)

[nickmarshallvfx]

Can anyone explain to me what the curves and levels adjustment layers are doing that could not just be done in the brightness/contrast adjustment layer? I cant work out why they are needed :(

Nick

[brad]

I guess each has it’s own advantages.
Some changes are easier to control in curve, some are easier with Level.
The differences are tiny but effective.

[mordecaidesign]

The differences are tiny but effective.

Brad pretty much said it.

For me, I've taken out the brightness and contrast controls out my top menu, and I try my best to always use Curves. When I can't use curves (curves can be hard to understand), I'll use levels.

Brightness + Contrast = Axe
Levels = Knife
Curves = Scalpel

Keep in mind that non-destructive layer editing can be fine and dandy but for some things it's quicker and will save file size if you just press Cmd + M or Cmd + L.

[nickmarshallvfx]

Thanks guys, that was very quick and informative. Im not really very good with curves at the moment, so im trying to get better with it. I use levels a lot though, so i can still get some of the accuracy i guess.

Appreciate the help, thank you!

Nick

[photoshopped]

Good resource thanks,

Jay