Rendering in SketchUp

Fig. 20.20: 
Initial simulated lighting draft process

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Chapter 20: Steps of the Iterative Rendering Process
Fig. 20.21: 
Turn off the interior roof and use the SketchUp Shadow menu to set the initial lighting for these drafts.
Fig. 20.22: 
Interior rendering with exterior lighting (Twilight Render)

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Part 5: The Iterative Rendering Process
Secondary Draft Renders for Simulated Lighting
The secondary draft process is when most of the work is done with simulated lighting (Fig. 20.23). 
During the secondary phase, start adding the simulated lights. Do not add all the lights you 
want to the render. Start by adding the first set of lights into lighting fixture components—or 
if you aren’t using fixture components, start with individual lights (Fig. 20.24). You’ll learn 
more about placing simulated lighting in a model in Chapter 24. With the first lights in place, 
run the secondary draft (Fig. 20.25). Start by keeping the model detail off or at a minimum.
The render settings to process the image will be very different than the ones you used for 
the exterior lighting. The IRP must be set to process the simulated lighting. This means turn-
ing off the exterior light source coming from the SketchUp Shadow settings. Each IRP handles 
this differently and is reviewed in the IRP settings chapters.
Secondary Simulated Lighting Draft evaluation
In addition to appraising the model’s textures and detail, you’ll need to evaluate the simulated 
lights. The position, light strength, light color, and exposure represent typical adjustments. 
Rerun the render and evaluate the lights again. Make more adjustments to the first set of 
lights and repeat the process.
Adding lights singularly or by component sets does not overburden the model or negatively 
affect render times. Adding them makes it easier to assess and edit the light settings.