Documentation Center artzone:pub:tutorials:rendering

What are Caustics, anyway?

2011-11-01T17:42:42+00:00

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What are Caustics, anyway?

Author: Robin Wood

Introduction

Do you keep hearing the term Caustics bandied about, but aren't sure what is meant by it? Well, you aren't alone. Many programs boast that their renders include “true caustics, ” but a lot of 3D artists, especially those new to the field, don't really know what is meant by that.

Step 1 - Caustics Explained...

(Image above: Rendered with no light through transparency. There is a solid black shadow. (Carrara render.))

It's really quite simple; and once you know the meaning, you will see why you may be interested in having them available.

According to the American Heritage Dictionary, the fourth definition of “Caustic” is “Of or relating to light emitted from a point source and reflected or refracted from a curved surface.”

(Image above: Rendered with light through transparency. The shadow is a uniform gray. (Carrara render.))

So, if you look at the pictures above, you can see the light refraction in the shadow of the goblet on the one just above this paragraph, which has caustics, and not in the one on the very top, which was rendered in a program that doesn't have the capability. Caustics also appear when light is reflected from a curved metallic surface. To see that in real life, place a ring or bracelet in the sunlight on a table. See the pattern of light inside the ring? Those are caustics. Some programs do a better job with them than others. Some don't make any attempt. But it's something you may want to be aware of.

(Image above: Rendered with caustics. Notice how the light is concentrated in the center of the shadow, due to refraction. (Bryce render.))

As you can easily see, caustics lend a higher degree of realism to your work. Of course, they also take longer to render. So, as always, you pays your nickel and you takes your choice.

Rendering

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Documentation Center artzone:pub:tutorials:rendering

What are Caustics, anyway?

What are Caustics, anyway?

Introduction

Step 1 - Caustics Explained...

Rendering

Rendering

Miscellaneous Rendering and Apps:

Bryce Rendering:

Carrara

DAZ Studio Rendering

Rendering in Poser