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BrandNous
Participant
September 25, 2023
Question

Lighting stop casting shadows in the middle of my composition (After Effect 2023 + Element 3D)

  • September 25, 2023
  • 1 reply
  • 463 views

Hello

 

I'm currently working on a project using After Effects 2023, and I've incorporated the Element 3D plugin to enhance my composition. Everything was progressing smoothly, but I've encountered a peculiar issue: the lighting in my scene stops casting shadows midway through my composition.

To give a bit more context:

  • The initial segments of my composition render the shadows perfectly.
  • However, at a certain point, the shadows from the light sources cease to appear, despite no apparent changes in my lighting or layer configurations.
  • I've double-checked for any unintentional keyframes, adjustments, or effects that might be affecting this, but couldn't identify any.

Given the importance of consistent lighting and shadowing for the visual continuity of my project, this issue is proving to be a significant obstacle.

Could you provide guidance on potential solutions or troubleshooting steps to ensure the lighting works consistently throughout the entire composition? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

Thank you for your time and assistance.

Warm regards

 

This topic has been closed for replies.

1 reply

R
Community Expert
Rick GerardCommunity Expert
Community Expert
September 25, 2023

Showing only the problem does not tell us what is going on in your comp. 

 

Try this: go to the last frame in your comp before the lighting problem starts, select all layers, and press the U key twice to show all modified properties in all layers. Look for any keyframes or new layers that start on the next frame. If you don't find anything, move one frame forward to where the lights turn off and start turning off layers one at a time first to see if anything is blocking the light. If you can't find the problem, start turning off effects or any modified properties with keyframes one at a time until you find the culprit. The solution may be as simple as moving a layer up or down one layer or turning off an effect. 

 

We need screenshots of the timeline and a workflow description if you can't find anything that fixes the problem or turns off the lights. 

    B
    BrandNousAuthor
    Participant
    September 26, 2023

    Thank you for the swift and detailed response.

     

    Workflow Description:

    1. I started with a basic tracking of my clip.
    2. Once the tracking was in place, I incorporated the 3D model using the Element 3D plugin.
    3. After positioning and adjusting the 3D model as desired, I introduced the lighting to the scene.

     

    Post these steps, I noticed the lighting anomaly that I initially described. I followed the troubleshooting steps you outlined:

    • Went to the last frame before the lighting issue starts.
    • Selected all layers and pressed the U key twice to review all modified properties. I paid special attention to any keyframes or new layers that might initiate on the subsequent frame.
    • Moved one frame ahead to where the lighting anomaly occurs. From here, I systematically turned off layers, checking if any of them might be obstructing the light source.
    • I also went through effects and other modified properties with keyframes, disabling them one by one to identify if any of them might be causing the lighting issue.

     

    Regrettably, I wasn't able to pinpoint the root of the problem with the steps provided. As requested, I've attached screenshots of my timeline for a better visual representation of my workflow and the layers in my composition.

    I'm hopeful that this additional information will shed some light on the issue and appreciate any further insights you might offer.

     

    Thank you once again for your assistance.

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