HDR Light Studio 9 Released

The newest version of Lightmap's HDR Light Studio includes Lumi-Curve, a feature that gives artists the flexibility to shape light source curves for numerous lighting effects. It can recreate simple light forms, such as a half-cut round light, and push creative boundaries further.

If you've ever arranged several lights in a row and wanted to blend them into a single, smooth light stroke, Lumi-Curve makes it possible by replacing multiple lights with one continuous shape that enhances surface flow. You can use Lumi-Curve to craft stylized background glows by sketching smooth, soft arcs behind your 3D objects directly in the Render View via key points. Applying Lumi-Curve to area lights with a spread of zero converts them into projected lights, enabling you to sculpt and draw light like a Light Brush used in photography.

Dynamic light trails are probably the most eye-catching effects you can create with Lumi-Curve. These can overlap to intensify brightness, be shaped freely to curve and flow around your model, providing a strong visual look for motion shots or stylized renders.

But that's not all. You can use Lumi-Curve across the entire HDRI canvas to create unique, curved horizon lines by stretching it across the map's width. Also, whether you prefer soft, ambient curves or sharp, graphic lighting, Lumi-Curve makes designing backgrounds simple.

Along with Lumi-Curve, HDR Light Studio 9 includes several workflow enhancements, notably upgrading OCIO support.

Comprehensive animated documentation is available to guide you through using Lumi-Curve, and the full release notes can be found here. Join our 80 Level Talent platform and our new Discord server, follow us on Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, Telegram, TikTok, and Threads, where we share breakdowns, the latest news, awesome artworks, and more.