Sky 018 Cloudy Sunset HDRI

About this asset#

Sky 018 Cloudy Sunset HDRI pairs image-based lighting with this environment: dark blue clouds gather above a narrow orange opening at the sunset horizon.

Lighting and scene uses#

Use the warm opening as a background accent behind a silhouette. For an exterior scene with darker clouds, judge the exposure on the subject rather than brightening until every part of the sky becomes pale. Add local fill only if the subject needs it.

Resolution and map details#

The product listing specifies 10K, 6K, 3K, 1K files in .hdr format and identifies the map as unclipped. The web image is a compressed preview; load the purchased HDR file as your environment texture to use its lighting data. Choose the map resolution according to the detail visible in your background and reflections.

The creator reports 19 EVs of dynamic range. This is a product specification, not a measurement made from the JPEG preview.

The supplied image shows the sky with black below it. Preserve that preview layout and add ground geometry for a complete scene. The JPEG does not establish the lighting contribution of the purchased map below the horizon.

Compare lighting in your workflow#

Use the HDRI ground plane workflow to align the horizon and establish contact shadows. The Blender environment lighting guide covers a repeatable setup for rotating and comparing maps.

Compare Sky 027 Cloudy Sunset HDRI with this environment to evaluate a darker cloud bank around a narrow sunset opening. Keep camera, material and exposure consistent while judging the difference.

Browse the HDRI lighting collection for other environments and combinable lighting filters.