Ravenor's Design Academy

Interior Design × Project Management

How to fix the HDRI/Sun Problem

Fix that pesky problem you get when you use an HDRI but see no Sunlight or Shadows!

Angie Soliman
1–2 minutes

My Project Charter template is the tool I use to align client expectations and build trust from day one. It takes 15 minutes to fill out and stops the phrase “but I thought this was included” in its tracks.

Update: This tutorial now covers all VRay Versions.

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A really quick tutorial for a really quick fix!

If you’ve ever run into the problem where you use a HDRI or a Dome Light, and end up with no proper sun rays or shadows?

Whether its exterior or interior you need that! unless you’re using an overcast sky, it’s crucial to have proper shadows, so your render looks more realistic.

As I’ve said before, this is a quick tutorial, so the render I’m using is not that artsy. Boo!

For VRay 2.0+

To get started, whether you’re using a Dome Light or a HDRI,this will apply for you.

fix HDRI shadow + Sun problem

Go to ‘Options’ – ‘Global Switches’ and enable ‘Default Light’.

fix HDRI shadow + Sun problem

Then head over to ‘Camera’ and make sure ‘Exposure’ is Disabled.

fix HDRI shadow + Sun problem

Finally go to the ‘Environment’ tab and turn on ‘Reflection’, then click ‘m’.

fix HDRI shadow + Sun problem

Use ‘TexSky’, choose ‘Sun 1’ in ‘Default Sky Options’, and enable ‘Sun’ + set the ‘Intensity’ to something as low as ‘0.03’.

For VRay 3.0 & VRay Next

You can refer to these links:

fix HDRI shadow + Sun problem
Before
fix HDRI shadow + Sun problem
After

Voila!

You might notice an increase in brightness, you can fix that through ‘Camera’, ‘Dome Light’ intensity, or ‘GI (Skylight)’ intensity.

Leave a comment below if you have any questions or suggestions, and I’ll reply ASAP.

Make sure you subscribe to get all these quick fixes & all the new awesome content, right to your inbox + you’ll get to join the Tribe and get access to our Resource Library!

Ravenor's Design Academy | How to fix the HDRI/Sun Problem
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7 responses to “How to fix the HDRI/Sun Problem”

  1. How to add Environment Backgrounds (VRay+Sketchup)

    […] If you’re looking to fix the Shadow/Sun problem caused by the HDRI, go HERE. […]

    Reply
  2. Fixing the “Black Background” issue when using Enviroment Background

    […] If you’re looking to fix the Shadow/Sun problem caused by the HDRI, go HERE. […]

    Reply
  3. easyrelooking Avatar
    easyrelooking

    I will try it ASAP!!!!!! Thanks!!!!

    Reply
    1. Miss Ravenor Avatar
      Miss Ravenor

      Its so easy! Let me know how it works out!

      Reply
      1. EasyRelooking Avatar
        EasyRelooking

        Hi, but in your steps I see the tab Background completely disabled?

        Anyway following these steps, (enabling Background), light seems to enter but goes only to the ceiling.

        There are not shadows as I expected 🙁 And then when I check if the Sun1 is enabled, I found it always disable! why??

        Reply
        1. Miss Ravenor Avatar
          Miss Ravenor

          In my steps I used a model with a dome light 🙈 try turning in the shadows in your model and see where the sun rays appear? If you need further help, message me on my facebook page; a chat would be easier to help solve your problems 🙂

          Reply
          1. easyrelooking Avatar
            easyrelooking

            Yes I turned on the shadows and they are completely different from the final render! Only if I remove the background images and I use a TexSky, that’s ok and shadows come in

            Reply

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