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Hello, Newb here with a stupid question RE cloud shading


Lunarcy

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Hi Guys,

 

Hello, I've heard this is the place to be if you're a Houdini user and I'm hoping you may be able to help with something.  Please forgive my ignorance if my question or situation seems silly.

I've just started to experiment with Houdini and find it very difficult to adapt to the node/network system.  I'm used to using 3ds max and cinema 4D.

 

My task is this: To create an evolving cloud system.  Now,  I've been using the Cloud FX tool for some basic animation, and this is great as a simple preset, but to create a cloud from nothing and for it to grow and evolve I have been using the Billowy Smoke shelf tool.  I have been getting some okay results with this and think it is the right tool for the majority of the task.  The problem I have is that when creating a Cloud FX rig, the lighting setup is automatically added, and this is what gives the clouds a realistic look.  Specifically the Cloud Light node I think.  Now I have not been able to transfer that light setup to the Billowy Smoke method I have been playing with.  I literally have no idea how to do this as it seems far too complicated for me at this stage.  I don't know if it's as simple as plugging a Cloud Light node in to part of the network or if I have to do some complicated network creation.

 

In summary, how does one apply the lighting of the Cloud FX rig to a Billowy Smoke plume?

 

Could anybody point me in the right direction?  Even telling me I'm well out of my depth would put things in perspective!  Like I said, I'm a total newb, not to 3D but to Houdini.

 

Many thanks

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Hi Newb,

 

Welcome welcome! Houdini's got a high learning curve, but if you stick with it you'll be richly rewarded ;)

I'm not intimately familar with the cloud rig. But here's some hints and workflow in general.

 

Firstly you'll want to search and see if your question has been answered before.

Here's a thread I found. It might have what you want.

http://forums.odforce.net/topic/20822-cloud-fx-for-rolling-evolving-cloud/

 

Next you'll want to upload a test scene of the problem you're trying to solve. Then we can dissect your technique and help you out better.

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Thanks for getting back to me guys.  As simple as your solution sounds Pradeep (and I'm sure it is) it was still beyond my capabilities! I did what you said (or so I think) and the result was a mess.  I think I'll leave Houdini alone for a while and go back to max / Fume FX.  If I ever go back to Houdini I'll make sure I spend a good few months learning right from the beginning. 

 

Cheers

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I think I'll leave Houdini alone for a while and go back to max / Fume FX.

 

It's quite emotional :(

Houdini is a lot powerful than 3ds Max (which is useless without third party plugins (I think so)). You don't need any plugin, just create your own.  

 

If I ever go back to Houdini I'll make sure I spend a good few months learning right from the beginning.

 

 

There are a lot of learning resources:

 

http://www.sidefx.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=blogsection&id=14&Itemid=132

 

http://vimeo.com/user2030228

 

http://vimeo.com/goprocedural

 

http://www.youtube.com/user/Khermah

 

http://www.youtube.com/user/3DisFuntastic

 

https://www.youtube.com/user/vizylists/featured

Edited by Pradeep Barua
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