I also rendered the back lights separately so I could adjust their intensities in Photoshop in a separate layer. When using back lights in ZBrush you need to turn off ZMode for those lights. If not, they will not light the model properly.

Once it was all together, I used a technique in Photoshop to create a soft focus effect that softened the image a bit and added to the realism. I then flattened the image and duplicated it on another layer. Using a Gaussian blur filter, I blurred the image a little (shown right). Setting the layer opacity of the blurred layer to 15%-25% can really soften the image.

I filled another separate layer with black and set the layer mode to “Linear Dodge” and painted white over some areas which created a slight bloom effect. I set that layer to 8% opacity to keep the effect from being too strong. Then I flattened the image again and saved it in another file.

I used the smudge tool in Photoshop on the hat rim to extend some of the weave strips out to make it a bit more imperfect.

Another layer was added and set to multiply. Then I painted a beige color around the edges to slightly darken them. I sometimes do this to draw a bit more interest towards the center of the image.

Then finally I added another layer with a brownish color and set the layer mode to “Color” and set the opacity to 15%. This last little step helps to unify the colors more so that everything feels cohesive and a part of the environment.

Links

Christopher Tackett's CG Gallery Portfolio :
cggallery.itsartmag.com/gallery/KrakenCMT

Christopher Tackett's website :
www.loadedbrush.com

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