I'm wondering if I could get some advice on lighting effects. I know that AS Pro does not have scene lighting capabilities, but I was wondering if anyone has been able to "fake" lighting effects well. I've provided an image below to show how I have done it, but I would like to know if there are better ways of going about this.
The technique I used was to create a light colored circle, apply a bit of transparency and soft edge, then placed it over the darker part of the image.
But, if there is a better way to do this, I would love to know. Thank you very much.
Hmm, I tried opening the file you sent, but I'm on an older version of AS Pro, so it wouldn't open. I'm not familiar with the layer masking technique, and all my attempts at trying it out have failed, I'm obviously missing something. So if you could give some pointers, or give me a tutorial link, I would be grateful.
I'm actually using AS Pro 5. The error report says that the file is from a 'newer' version of Moho, so I'm assuming the file's from version 6. I suppose that's the reason for the incompatability issue.
I do appreciate it though. I will definitely check out that tutorial.
Well, I am using Anime Studio Pro 5.6 Build 20080130p.
Are you still using an older version than that...?
Before 6 came out there were a few free updates available...
Hope, you didn’t missed that opportunity...?
Otherwise, you really should be able to open that file...?
Create a white circular shape, then blur it with layer blur or soft edge, or both
Set the layer opacity method to an appropriate setting and opacity for your need, like add, multiply, overlay, screen or luminosity depending on your preference.
You can also use 2 layers in combination with different opacity methods and shape sizes for added effect like in this hastily put together and rather arbitrarily placed spot effect example.
This should work like a charm.
I've got version 5, so I suppose I should upgrade to 5.6. What are the updates in 5.6 in comparison to 5? So far I have not found anything that explains what 5.6 offers, although I attribute my lack of success to more than likely looking in all the wrong places.
By the way, thank you chucky for the tutorial and visual. That looks fantastic.
5.6 brought some fixes, editable motion paths for moving layers, animatable layer re-ordering, improved image texturing, and the ability to open Nolan Scott's example and understand masking.
"and the ability to open Nolan Scott's example and understand masking."
That aside, will the upgrade cost me what I have saved in the version I have? If so, I'm not so sure it would be worth it. From what I've seen with trying out the link, the file-sets don't seem to be interchangeable, unless that is, 5.6 is backward compatible.
If it means losing all my files, I'll stick with version 5.
I meant to say, you need to scroll down to the bottom of that Smith Micro page, to the "Free Software Updates" section, to bag the 5.6 update. It's a freebie.
Yeah it's backwards compatible. Which means, do a backup of your work first, but you'll be alright.
