Chiara's SL Photo Tips - .04

This is a rather minor card, with information most everyone should know. Yet, I didn't even know to do some of these things, for much longer than I care to admit lol. I wanted to introduce these potentially disaster-saving tips, before I get into some more complex topics.

 

I also know that the switch from Windlight to EEP might still confuse people, which is why I included this very first but critical distinction, in how to edit EEPs.

 

Generally speaking, I preferred Windlight, as you could adjust the environment on the fly, and then decide to "save as". Now, you need to think about that early in the process, because if there's any chance you'll want to save your environment edits, you need to copy the EEP prior to making too many fine adjustments. I find that annoying in some ways. But in other ways, having the EEP exist as a file in your inventory, just like your clothes, textures or notecards, is a plus, and means you can store, sort and share your EEPs, in ways you couldn't with Windlight. I also personally don't think it's a bad thing that it forces me to ask myself if I'm going to be doing a quick photo, or setting something up that I might not be able to finish right away, and/or if I'm going to create lighting I might want to reuse. I think it makes you step back and be a bit more purposeful in your process. But, that's just me, and I'm insane. :)

 

So generally, my process is to run through various EEPs in Quick Prefs, maybe make some quick changes to see if it can roughly look how I want, and then once I identify which EEP I want to work with, I'll search my inventory for the EEP name (which will reside in the Library folder), cut/paste a copy of that file into the Settings folder, rename it "v2" or whatever, launch the environment, then get into fine tuning my lighting. Now, I can save my changes and have a customized EEP I can reuse, and just also protect against crashes or needing to log.

 

There are also big differences between the controls in Personal Lighting vs. My Environments, and that is something I'll try to discuss in the next card, or two, or three. lol.

 

Please let me know if you have questions, or any other insight, tips or tricks to add.

 

Thanks!

 

Writing, design and photography

created by Chiara Baroni © 2023

 

Done