Fixing Normalization for indoor scenes?

When you adjusted the HDRI  so that other added light sources would react more realistically (the candle) it was an outdoor scene. So making a sun to about the same values makes sense. How would you do the same process for an HDRI that was an indoor scene, so that the lights you  add are also physically accurate?

  • Jonathan Lampel replied

    Good question! I don't think you're ever going to get it to be exact, but you can use the same trick of comparing it to a known source. If the sun is coming in through the window or if the sky is the dominant light source, then there is no difference in practice, but if it's indoor lighting only then you could go based on average recommendations like the list below:

    • Workspace or garage: 8,000 to 10,000 lumens
    • Kitchen work areas: 7,000 to 8,000 lumens 
    • Bathroom: 7,000 to 8,000 lumens 
    • Home office: 6,000 to 8,000 lumens 
    • Dining room: 3,000 to 4,000 lumens 
    • Kitchen: 3,000 to 4,000 lumens
    • Dining room: 3,000 to 4,000 lumens
    • Living room: 1,000 to 2,000 lumens 
    • Bedroom: 1,000 to 2,000 lumens 
    • Hallway: 500 to 1,000 lumens

    Source: Lumens Per Square Foot: Recommended Amount Needed for a Room - The Home Depot 

    Again, you probably don't need to be exact and if you only have one light source (the HDRI) then it doesn't matter anyway, but if you have different light sources then it helps to at least be in the right ballpark. Hope that helps! 

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