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N K F l a r e . I N C ------------------------------------------ Lens Flare "plug-in" for POV-RAY 3.0 Copyright (C) 1997 Nathan Kopp Version 4.0 August, 1997 ------------------------------------------ ************************************************************************* *** CONTENTS *** ************************************************************************* - Introduction and General Use - New features - IMPORTANT UPGRADE INFORMATION - Pre-Defined Flares - Hiding your Flare - Hints, Tips, and Troubleshooting - Legal Stuff - Appendix A - Advanced Flare Attributes - Appendix B - Primary flare parts breakdown ************************************************************************* *** INTRODUCTION AND GENERAL USE *** ************************************************************************* NKFlare is a very flexible lens flare include file for POV-Ray 3.0. ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Installation Instructions for NKFlare ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Unzip NKFlare.zip to any directory you want to. ;) Here are the files that you should find: NKFlare.txt - this text file NKFlare.inc - the lens flare inc file *.flr - preset flare definition files test*.pov - test files Next, you need to do one of the following: 1) Copy NKFlare.inc and all of the FLR files to your povray "include" directory (folder). 2) Add the directory that contains NKFlare.inc and all of the FLR files to your library path. (See section 6.2.2.6 in the POV-Ray documentation for more information on the library path.) ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Adding lens flare to your POV scene is now a simple as adding the following few lines to your scene description file: #declare cam_loc = <x,y,z> // use the x, y, and z of your camera #declare light_loc = <x,y,z> // use the x, y, and z of the light // you wish to flare #declare lookat = <x,y,z> // the look_at vector of your camera #declare sky_vect = <x,y,z> // the sky vector of your camera #include "35mm.flr" // or whatever pre-defined flare you like #include "nkflare.inc" // create the lens flare NKFlare will track the specified light_source even in animations as long as the above variables are equal to the positions of their respective objects in the scene. Keep this in mind when you start rotating and translating lights and the camera. You may need to use POV functions such as VROTATE to transform the camera's coordinates before you include NKFlare. This is also true for the location of things like the light, the planet, etc. Example: camera { location < 0, 0, 0> direction < 0, 0, 1> up < 0, 1, 0> right < 1, 0, 0> rotate <30, 60, 30> translate < 5, 3, 4> look_at < 0, 0, 0> } #declare cam_loc = <0, 0, 0> #declare cam_loc = vrotate(cam_loc, <30, 60, 30> ) #declare cam_loc = cam_loc + <5, 3, 4> There are also three other special variables that can be used to easily modify the lens flare. These are: - flare_size Specifies the scale factor of the lens flare. (flare_scale_factor) A value of 2 doubles the flare size, while a value of .5 halves it, as you would expect. - flare_amount This is a number from 0 to 1, 0 being no flare and 1 being the regular amount. Use about 0.5 for bright scenes. - flare_brightness This is a number from 0 to inf. Zero makes the flare black. 1 is normal (good for black scenes). 1.5 is good for bright scenes. - show_flare_source This boolean varable (yes or no value) can be used to make the flare source transparant. By default, NKFlare will create a bright spot at the center of the flare. Use #declare show_flare_source = no to make it more transparant. - flare_type Determines a predefined flare type. See below for available types or use flare_type = "" to create your own. This is for backwards-compatibility only. Setting this variable will include the appropriate FLR file. You should use the new syntax (which is to include the file yourself before including NKFlare) The lens flare can be modified in MANY other ways. See "Appendix A - Advanced Flare Attributes" for a reference on available parameters. ************************************************************************* *** NEW FEATURES *** ************************************************************************* >>>> Version 4.0 <<<< ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1) IMPORTANT INFO FOR PEOPLE UPGRADING ------------------------------------------------------------------------- A) LnsFlare has been renamed NKFlare (Nathan Kopp's Flare plug-in). B) flare_scale_factor has been changed to flare_size (although the old variable name will still work) C) The syntax has been changed for preset flares! Preset flare information is now stored in FLR files, one for each flare type. To use a preset flare, include it before including NKFlare. Example: Old way: #declare flare_type="35mm" #include "NKFlare.inc" New way: #include "35mm.flr" #include "NKFlare.inc" (At least for this version, the old way will be supported to keep the old scenes working. Declaring flare_type will simply include the appropriate file.) The reason for this change is that you can now easily change one or two attributes of a preset flare type: #include "35mm.flr" #declare source_size = source_size * 2 #include "NKFlare.inc" ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2) NEW SPARKLE EFFECTS ADDED ------------------------------------------------------------------------- The following variables were added: crisp_star boolean - sparkle will have crisp edges if true default = false star_mirror boolean - sparkle will be symmetric if true default = true star_spread boolean - sparkle arms spread out if ture default = false (old version was true) star_color_rand percent - randomness of sparkle color default = 0 star_size_rand percent - randomness of sparkle arm length default = .3 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3) NEW FLARE SPOT VARIABLES ADDED ------------------------------------------------------------------------- The following variables were added: spots_auto_rotate boolean - spots will rotate to face center if true; default = false percent_pent percent - like percent_hex, except with pentagons (more realistic); default = 0 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4) BRIGHT_BACKGROUND and TV-DAY2 ADDED ------------------------------------------------------------------------- These are somewhat related. First, I noticed that the flares did not look good in bright scenes. This is because they were darker than the background. To fix this, I added a new variable. If flare_brightness and flare_amount are not declared, you can #declare bright_background = true This will set the two variables to values that make the flares look good in most bright scenes. The flare becomes brighter and more transparant, depending on the background for much of it light and color. Also, I added a preset flare type "tv-day2" which really does look like the lens flare that you see on tv in daylight shows. (Kinda like 105mm but with more flare spots and some pentagon shaped spots.) >>>> Version 3.0 final <<<< ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1) FLARE_BRIGHTNESS ADDED ------------------------------------------------------------------------- "flare_brightness", a new option (global to the entire flare), has been added. This option changes the ambient settings of the flare's finish. Use flare_brightness if the flare is darker than the rest of the image. Two other new options added are "flare_scallop_wave" and "crisp_star", which are explained below in appendix A. ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2) BUG FIXES and OTHER CHANGES ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Two bugs were fixed. First, small values of flare_size caused the flare to take on a diamond shape. Thanks to Adrian Baumann for help with this fix. A new setting, "AmbientLight" has been added. If you change the global_settings{ambient_light} in your scene, declare the AmbientLight variable to match. Thanks again to Adrian Baumann. :) Changed sphere_size to disc_size. >>>> Version 3.0 beta <<<< ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1) NEW FLARE TYPES ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Nine new flare types include "Space2", "Space3", "Camcorder", "85mm", "Concert", "TV-Day", "Sports", "WarpFlare", and "Sparkle4". Existing flare types have been fixed as well. ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2) EVEN FASTER RENDERING / DISTORTION REMOVED ------------------------------------------------------------------------- By mapping the textures to discs (rather than spheres), I've increased render speed even more. This also removes distortion from certain flare types. ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3) RANDOMNESS IN SPARKLE EFFECT ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Randomness factors have been added to the sparkle attributes of the lens flares. Most pre-defined flare types have been modified to reflect this new feature. ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4) FLARE STREAKS ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Two new "streaks" have been added: "streak_a" and "streak_b". These function somewhat like "big_glow", but with some slight differences. See "Appendix A - Advanced Flare Attributes" for more information. They are used to produce the realistic "Sprots" flare, as well as adding streaks to "Space2", "Space3", and "Camcorder". ************************************************************************* *** PRE-DEFINED FLARES *** ************************************************************************* NKFlare now includes 21 preset lens flares. To use a preset flare, include the file that goes with the flare.(e.g. #include "35mm.flr"). Available presets are as follows: - Space1 SPACE1.FLR The Space1 flare is very similar to the default flare. It four pronounced sparkle arms. It also has smaller and more random flare spots. - Space2 SPACE2.FLR This flare looks good for some space animations, like exploding stars. This flare has a horizontal streak and a orangish tint to it. - Space3 SPACE3.FLR This flare also looks good for some space animations. It has a horizontal streak and a bluish tint to it. - SmallStar SMLSTAR.FLR This flare looks good for adding sparkle to a small distant star. It is a very faint flare. - BigStar BIGSTAR.FLR This flare looks good for adding sparkle to a star that is closer to the camera. It has a yellowish "glow" to it but retains the four faint arms of SmallStar. - Sparkle1 SPARKLE1.FLR This small flare is great for adding sparkle to a glare or to a small light such as a Christmas tree light or a taillight on a car. It has a faint glow and four thin sparkle arms. This flare should be colored by specifying "#declare source_color = <r,g,b>". Default color = <1,1,1>. - Sparkle2 SPARKLE2.FLR This small flare is similar to Sparkle1, but has 6 arms instead of 4. This flare is also bigger and has more of a glow to the light source. This flare should also be colored by specifying "#declare source_color = <r,g,b>". Do not oversaturate this color... values like <.5,.5,1> for blue is better than <0,0,1>. Default color = <1,1,1>. - Sparkle3 SPARKLE3.FLR This small flare is similar to Sparkle2, but has 8 arms instead of 6 and also has 16 smaller sparkle arms. As with the other two sparkles, this flare should be colored by specifying "#declare source_color = <r,g,b>". Do not oversaturate this color... values like <.5,.5,1> for blue is better than <0,0,1>. Default color = <1,1,1>. - Sparkle4 SPARKLE4.FLR This small flare produces a more random sparkle effect than the other three sparkle flares. As with the other sparkles, this flare should be colored by specifying "#declare source_color = <r,g,b>". - WarpFlare WARP.FLR Looks like a Starship going into Warp. - 35mm 35MM.FLR This flare mimics actual 35mm flare. It's quite complicated. Test it to see what it looks like. - 50mm 50MM.FLR This flare mimics actual 50mm flare. It's quite complicated. Test it to see what it looks like. - 85mm 85MM.FLR This flare mimics actual 85mm flare. It's quite complicated. Test it to see what it looks like. - 105mm 105MM.FLR This flare mimics actual 105mm flare. This bluish flare is quite soft and lacks a primary flare ring. Test it to see what it looks like. - Camcorder CAMCORDR.FLR This flare mimics the flare created by a camcorder lens. - TV-Day TV-DAY.FLR Sunflare. NOT GOOD FOR DAYLIGHT SCENES... sorry about the misleading name. :( - TV-Day2 TV-DAY2.FLR Ok... this one looks good in the daylight. Of course, you will still need to set bright_background to true. - Concert CONCERT.FLR Looks like the flare from a spotlight at a rock concert. - Sports SPORTS.FLR This is the lens flare you see at all of the sports events on TV. Use it for bright lights and camera-flashes. Also good for adding sparkle to gems. Shaped like an "X". - Sunset1 SUNSET1.FLR This doesn't look good, IMHO. It is included just because. ;) For sunsets, use 35/50/85/105mm and declare bright_background = true. This flare can be used to create a sunset where you wish the flare to cover up the light source. This mimics a previous set of #declares that was included in version 1.0. - Sunset2 SUNSET2.FLR This doesn't look good, IMHO. It is included just because. ;) For sunsets, use 35/50/85/105mm and declare bright_background = true. This flare can be used to model a sunset where the light source is already created and should not be covered up. This mimics a previous set of #declares that was included in version 1.0. ************************************************************************* *** HIDING YOUR FLARE *** ************************************************************************* By default, the lens flare hides when it goes behind the camera. New in version 2.0, you can now also hide the flare behind a planet or below the horizon automatically. The hiding is slightly limited currently, but it is a great help in most animations. To allow the flare to go behind a planet, you must specify the location of the planet (sphere) and it's radius. #declare planet_loc = <x,y,z> // x,y,z coordinates of the planet #declare planet_rad = r // the planet's radius To allow the flare to go below the horizon (plane), you must specify the location and normal vector of the plane. #declare plane_loc = <x,y,z> // x,y,z coordinates of the plane #declare plane_norm = <x,y,z> // normal vector of the plane For either of the above, you must also define the size of your light-source: #declare light_rad = r // the radius of the light-source If neither of these methods is successful, you can manually hide the flare by setting the "flare_amount" variable. ************************************************************************* *** HINTS, TIPS, AND TROUBLESHOOTING *** ************************************************************************* ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Q: Sometimes I see black spots in the flares. A: Increase the #max_trace_level. The higher you set it, the better. This can really slow down scenes that have a lot of glass, though. Too bad. ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Q: My scene is very bright and the flare looks ugly. A: You can: 1) Add this line before including NKFlare #declare bright_background = true or 2) Adjust the flare yourself Turn up the flare_brightness (around 1.5 is probably good) Turn down the flare_amount (around 0.5 is probably good) ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Q: I am using fog and it causes the lens flares to look strange. This problem is most obvious when colored fog is used. A: Unfortunately, there is not really an easy way around this. The best solution is to manually adjust all of the variables which affect the color of the flare's components. You may be able to correct the problem by using a color for flare_brightness. (See hint below about tinting the flare.) ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Q: I am using focal blur in my image, and the lens flare disappears. A: Change the "disc_size" variable. This variable affects the size of the discs that are used to create the lens flare. It also changes their location. The value of "disc_size" represents the distance from the camera to the discs. In order for thoes discs to be in focus when focal blur is used, they must be at the focal point. If, for example, the focal point was at "f_point", you would use the following declaration before including NKFlare. #declare disc_size = vlength(f_point - cam_loc) ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Q: When I rotate my camera or the light source, the flare doesn't follow. A: You need to give NKFlare the exact location of the light and camera. You may need to use POV-Ray's vector functions such as VROTATE to find the position of the point. This is also true for the location of things like the planet (if used). Example: camera { location < 0, 0, 0> direction < 0, 0, 1> up < 0, 1, 0> right < 1, 0, 0> rotate <30, 60, 30> translate < 5, 3, 4> } #declare cam_loc = <0, 0, 0> #declare cam_loc = vrotate(cam_loc, <30, 60, 30> ) #declare cam_loc = cam_loc + <5, 3, 4> ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Q: Can I use multiple lens flares? A: Yes. ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Q: What if I want to hide the flare behind a space-ship instead of a planet. A: This can usually be done by creating an imaginary "planet" of an appropriate size. Then tell the lens flare to hide behind a planet of that size centered on the ship. ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Q: The flare is really dark. A: If your scene adjusts the ambient_light under global_settings, you should set the AmbientLight variable to match. ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hint: You can give any flare a "tint" by changing the flare_brightness variable. Use a color vector instead of a normal float number. For example, if you want your flare to look purplish, use the following: #declare flare_brightness = <1.25, 0.5, 1.25> ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hint: Don't forget to keep something visible at the spot of the light_source. This will still be needed for certain reflections (ex: sunset on water). ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hint: When creating flare for a lens that may or may not be centered on the camera's look_at point (such as the windshield of a car), simply point the "lookat" vector towards the center of the lens. This will correctly orient both the sparkle arms and the multiple flare spots. ************************************************************************* *** LEGAL STUFF *** ************************************************************************* Disclaimer: I am not responsible for anything negative happening to you as a result of using NKFlare. If your dog dies of shock because the flare is so ugly, too bad. If space aliens kidnap you because your picture of them looks too realistic, that's your problem. Tough luck. NKFlare is provided free of charge. You may freely distribute it provided that this file is included. You may make changes if you like to. However, if you wish to distribute a modified version you must: 1) Do not try to conceal the fact that it originally was written by Nathan Kopp. 2) Do not try to conceal the fact that it is a modified version. 3) Include this TXT file (with nothing removed - you can add your notes in an appropriate location) * Do include contact information so that users can ask you about the changes that you have made. 4) Do not charge any money for it. If you would like to distribute NKFlare on a CD-ROM or another form of media other than the internet, please get permission first. My desire is for this plug-in to be freely and readily available to everyone, so I will be reasonable with your requests. If you find this useful, drop a note to me (or you could snail-mail a postcard). :) I (Nathan Kopp, the author) can be contacted at: nkopp@grfn.org nk80300@ltu.edu nkopp@sunny.ncmc.cc.mi.us If none of these work, you can probably contact me via Usenet on: comp.graphics.rendering.raytracing Also check out my web pages: http://www.grfn.org/~nkopp/ http://www.grfn.org/~nkopp/flare1.html http://www.grfn.org/~nkopp/pov/ This lens flare generator was _inspired_ by Chris Colefax's "Dome City" image. The code was originally created by Nathan Kopp on November 3rd, 1996. Thanks also to God for giving me the time and ability to finish this project. ************************************************************************* *** APPENDIX A: ADVANCED FLARE ATTRIBUTES *** ************************************************************************* There are many attributes of NKFlare that can be modified with simple #declare statements. To change these attributes, #declare their new values prior to the #include "lensflare.inc" statement. ------------------------------------------------------------------------- PRIMARY FLARE: (centered on the light source) ------------------------------------------------------------------------- The primary flare consists of a bright center which acts as the visible light source, since actual point lights are invisible to POV. Further out from the center of the flare is a semi-transparant "glow". Even further out is a ring-flare. See Appendix A for a breakdown of the primary flare's parts. source_size The apparant size of the source. default = 0.02 glow_size The apparant size of the "glow". default = .15 ring_size The apparant size of the "ring". default = .3 ring_width The width of the "ring". default = .1 note: Sizes are kind of like a percentage of the overall picture. Actual sizes will vary depending on the "distance" setting in the camera statement. A more telephoto lens will create larger flares. This is true for all xxx_size attributes. source_color The color of the light source. default = rgb <1, 1, 1> glow_color The color of the "glow". default = rgb <1, 1, .7> ring_color The color of the "ring. default = rgb <1, .7, .7> source_bright The max brightness of the light source. default = 2 Source fades from this brightness to glow_bright. glow_bright The max brightness of the "glow". default = 1.2 Glow fades from this brightness to 1.0. note: Brightnesses are multiplied by color to get the final color value. source_tr The minimum translucency of the source. default = .1 glow_tr The minimum translucency of the glow. default = .7 ring_tr The minimum translucency of the ring. default = .8 source_fade How fast the source fades off... this is a percentage of the distance from source_size to glow_size and is where color is glow_color*glow_brightness. and transmit is 1/2 way between source_tr and glow_tr. Color is glow_color*1 at glow_size. flare_scallop_wave This causes the primary flare (source-glow-ring) to use a scallop_wave waveform (as opposed to the default ramp_wave.) This can create smoother transitions. The "big glow" is a new flare attribute to version 2.0. It is basically a large flare glow that is unaffected by the other parts of the primary flare. It can be larger than the ring size. By default, it is disabled. This was added to create the 35mm and 50mm lens flares. big_glow_size Radius of the "big glow". default = 0 big_glow_color The color of the "big glow". default = <1,1,1> big_glow_tr The minimum translucency of the "big glow". default = 1 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- FLARE STREAKS ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Flare streaks are used to produce streaks of light, usually either horizontal or vertical, from the light source. These streaks get thinner as they get farther away, unlike streaks from the sparkle (see below). The streaks are produced by mapping a wood texture to a disc and squishing it. streak_a_size The radius of the streak. default = 0 streak_a_color The outer color of the streak. streak_a_center_color The center color of the streak. streak_a_tr The minimum transmittance of the streak. streak_a_scale The streak's scale factor (x=width, y=height). streak_a_rotate The rotation of the streak. streak_a_auto_rotate Yes/No - does the flare follow the lens center? Similar variables exist for the second streak, "streak_b". ------------------------------------------------------------------------- SPARKLE AROUND THE LIGHT SOURCE: (centered on the light source) ------------------------------------------------------------------------- The sparkle consists of two sets of radial arms. The first set should be quite large, and start to fade at a distance of star_size. The second set is usually more in number but begins to fade at star_size/2. To remove the sparkle, set num_arms and num_arms2 to zero. star_size The distance where the star starts to fade. default = .2 star2_size The size of the second star. default = .1 num_arms The number of arms of the sparkle. default = 9 num_arms2 The number of little arms of the sparkle. default = 9*2 star_width The width of each arm.. this is a percent of the total space for each arm. default = .2 star2_width The width of the arms for the second star star_color The color of the sparkle. default = rgb<1,1,1> star_tr The minimum translucency of the sparkle. default = .9 star_rand Randomness factor for the first sparkle. default = 0 star_rand2 Randomenss factor for the second sparkle. default = 0 star_seed Seed value for the star. crisp_star This causes the first star (not the second) to have sharp edges. For an example, look at the "concert" flare type. star_mirror boolean - sparkle will be symmetric if true default = true star_spread boolean - sparkle arms spread out if ture default = false (old version was true) star_color_rand percent - randomness of sparkle color default = 0 star_size_rand percent - randomness of sparkle arm length default = .3 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- MULTIPLE LENS FLARE SPOTS (and dots): ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Multiple lens flares are in a line that passes through the center of the picture (lookat point) and the primary flare (light_loc point). The flare spots get increasingly farther apart as they get farther from the primary flare. The randomness of various attributes of the spots can be set. The randomness is a percentage of the actual value. ex: a spot_size_rand of .2 means that each spot will be between 80% and 120% of it's normal size. To turn off the spots set num_spots = 0. spot_size The size of a spot. default = .1 spot_color The color of a spot. default = <1,1,.7> (faded yellow) spot_tr Minimum translucency of a spot. default = .9 num_spots The number of spots on each side of the flare. default = 4 spot_dist Used to compute distances between spots. Bigger numbers mean farther spaced spots. default = .2 spot_dist_pwr Exponential growth value of the distance between the spots. default = 2 (quadratic) for linear spots, use 1 skip_spots The number of spots to skip (nearest to light source) spot_fade_amount Allows the spots to fade as they get farther from the light. default = 0. Use small values (like .05) spots_auto_rotate boolean - spots will rotate to face center if true; default = false In addition to flare spots, LnsFlare 2.0 can create flare "dots". While spots are more transparent on the inside (ring-like look), "dots" are more transparent on the outside and less on the inside. Flare dots are generally smaller than the ring-like spots. Increase "percent_dots" to replace some of the flare spots with dots. New in version 2.1 - lens flare spots shaped like hexagons! Use percent_hex just like you'd use percent_dots. Hexagon spots use spot_color, spot_tr, ans spot_size. percent_dots The percent of the spots that are randomly replaced with dots. dot_size The size of a dot. default = .04 dot_color The color of a dot. default = <.4,1,.5> (faded green) dot_tr Minimum translucency of a dot. default = .75 percent_hex The percent of the spots that are randomly replaced with hexagons. percent_pent The percent of the spots that are randomly replaced with pentagons. note: the actual distance between spots depends on the 2D distance between the light_source to the look_at points. The closer these points, the closer the spots (as you'd expect). spot_size_rand The randomness of the spots' sizes. default = 2 spot_color_rand The randomness of the spots' color. default = 0 spot_dist_rand Randomness of the spots' relative distance. default = 0 spot_seed The seed for the above randoms. default = seed(546) ------------------------------------------------------------------------- GLOBAL FLARE SETTINGS ------------------------------------------------------------------------- flare_size specify the overall size of the lens flare (flare_scale_factor) default = 1.0 flare_rotate Rotates the flare an additional amount. This value is added to the calculated rotational value. default = 0 flare_auto_rotate Determines if the flare should rotate to face the center of the image. Set to flase to keep the flare sparkle aiming towards the top of the image. main_flare_scale Scale factor for the primary flare (including sparkle). x=width, y=height. Default = <1,1,1> big_glow_scale Scale factor for big_glow. See above flare_amount This is a number from 0 to 1, 0 being no flare and 1 being the regular amount. flare_brightness This is a number preferrably greater than 1. This adjusts the flares "ambient" finish and should be used if the flare is too dark for the image. bright_background If this is true, NKFlare will declare flare_brightness and flare_amount to values that will look decent against a bright background (if they are undeclared) ------------------------------------------------------------------------- MISC ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ** Hiding the flare ** Use the following to define the planet which your light will go behind: #declare planet_loc = <x,y,z> // x,y,z coordinates of the planet #declare planet_rad = r // the planet's radius Use the following to define the plane which your light will go behind: #declare plane_loc = <x,y,z> // x,y,z coordinates of the plane #declare plane_norm = <x,y,z> // normal vector of the plane For either of the above, you must also define the size of your light-source: #declare light_rad = r // the radius of the light-source ** Ambient light settings ** If you use the ambient_light=<color> statement, you should also add the following line to avoid getting strange results: #declare AmbientLight= <color> //defaults to <1,1,1> ** Disc size ** Finally, the texture is mapped to small discs which are translated to the camera location. You can set the disc-camera distance with: disc_size default = .1 I do not suggest specifying a disc_size more than once. NKFlare will automatically make sure that no disc_size is repeated if you only specify the first size (or none at all). ************************************************************************* *** APPENDIX B - PRIMARY FLARE PARTS BREAKDOWN *** ************************************************************************* Position Color Transmit ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 0 source_color*source_bright source_tr source_size source_color*glow_bright source_tr % from source_size glow_color*glow_bright 1/2 from source_tr to glow_size to glow_tr glow_size glow_color glow_tr 1/2 from glow_size glow_color and 100% to ring_size ring_color ring_size ring_color ring_tr 1% past ring_size ring_color 100%