In the world of digital imaging and visual storytelling, we’re always looking for a way to maximise creative output. This is often demanding, as content production can be time consuming and expensive. We took a look at how we could create 5 different creative outputs from 1 single 360° HDRI map, and how each visual variant can look.
The power of a single 360° HDRI (High Dynamic Range Imaging) map cannot be overstated. This versatile asset opens up a realm of creative possibilities, from simple yet captivating tiny planet creations to intricate and advanced rendering techniques. In this article, we’ll explore five compelling ways to harness the potential of a single 360° HDRI map, whether you’re a novice enthusiast or a seasoned professional.
1. Tiny Planet Creations
Transforming 360° HDRI maps into a tiny planet is a simple and visual viewpoint of a 360`° image from a distant viewpoint. This is a technique a lot of 360 content creators use to produce dynamic viewpoints, and also animations that zoom in and around a 360 HDRI whilst mapping it to a spherical output. Theres a bunch of ways to create tiny planets from within photoshop, to proprietary apps from Insta 360, to tiny planet phot apps , and a bunch of other creative work arounds.
2. Lighting and Reflections in CGI Renders
The core use of a single 360° HDRI map is to serve as the cornerstone of realistic lighting and reflections in CGI renders. This is right in our wheelhouse, and what Domeble excels in. The 360° HDRI (High Dynamic Range Imaging) map serves as a comprehensive lighting and reflection environment. This is then used for CG renders by capturing the full range of lighting conditions in a scene. It does this by utilising multiple exposures. The HDRI map records luminance values across the entire dynamic range, from the brightest highlights to the darkest shadows. In a CG render, this data is then translated into accurate lighting information. This allows virtual objects to interact realistically with their surroundings.
The HDRI map acts as a virtual light source, providing ambient illumination and casting reflections onto the rendered scene. This results in photo realistic and immersive visuals. By incorporating a 360° HDRI map into the rendering process, CG artists can achieve unparalleled realism and fidelity. This promotes clever digital creations, enhancing the overall quality and true world believability of the final render.
3. Backplate & Animation Alternatives
The use of a 360 HDRI as a backplate alternative is often overlooked. To achieve this you can use the actual HDRI map as a backplate option. 360 HDRI maps can be created with resolutions up to 32,000 pixels, meaning that a a camera view from within the HDRI carries enough resolution to rival the dimensions and resolution of a traditional backplate. This also has the advantage of being a 32bit image, giving greater technical control over the output in post production.
Another favourite use of a 360 HDRI here at Domeble is to animate through an HDRI. This gives the effect of camera movements around an object in the scene. More than that, it can offer a great alternative to shooting expensive sets with multiple cameras and big production costs.
4. Virtual Reality (VR) Environments
Step into the realm of virtual reality and learn how to use a single 360° HDRI map to create immersive VR environments that transport users to captivating digital worlds. Using High Fidelity, super resolution 360 HDRI maps transports you to an immersive environment that is hugely engaging. By adding a data set, you start to enter the world of car configurators, vehicle design, property walkabouts.
We are incredibly passionate about immersive use of our 360 HDRIs, as are, our clients and end users. The launch of Apples vision Pro, and the Meta quest 3, has only strengthened the awareness of immersive worlds, and workflows, and its only a matter of time before the tipping point occurs, and VR headsets will be commonly used as a form of escapism, utility learning tools and mixed reality situations. The applications that will need 360 HDRI content will run far and wide, and the opportunities for next generation creativity is a massively exciting prospect.
5. Dynamic Lighting Scenarios
A single 360° HDRI map can also be used to simulate dynamic lighting scenarios in architectural visualisation, automotive rendering and design. By manipulating the HDRI map to simulate different times of day, weather conditions, and lighting, this creates huge potential for realtime projects intensities for realistic and compelling visualisations.
Conclusion
There are multiple uses and applications for a single 360° HDRI map, and we’ve only skimmed the surface with this blog. We could have covered VFX, gaming, therapy, training, art, panoramic image uses, and many many more.
Our core foundation at Domeble is built on a bedrock of 360 HDRI expertise. We constantly develop new ways to explore creative expression using this genre, and we’ll continue to share this with you as we develop new ideas around the technology of immersive 360’s. Should you want to learn more, or speak with us, drop us a mail info@domeble.com . For more technical info check out our discover more page covering HDRI’s.