Leonardo Vilela's creative lighting journey.

I'm originally from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and my journey began in 1985, when I landed a role assisting two top photographers at the prestigious Câmera Obscura studio. One focused on fashion, the other on advertising, products, cars, jewelry, and people. Working with both gave me a broad understanding of photography, but I quickly realized that the structure and craft of product photography aligned perfectly with my strengths and interests.

“From the very beginning, I chose to pursue advertising photography... I would much rather spend ten hours photographing a bottle or a can than endure a fashion shoot with models.”

The Science of Light.

In 1988, I decided to study photography in Paris. For three years, I immersed myself in the theoretical side of image-making as much as my brain could handle: the dual physical nature of light (waves and particles), lens optics, refraction, diffraction, reflection, translucency, aberrations, diffusion, and so on. 

“I devoured everything related to the theory of light, colour, perception, and the history of photography.”

This period marked not only a technical leap in my development, but also the acquisition of a Sinar F 4x5 camera, a large-format tool that demanded precision and control, and offered a new level of photographic expression. Around this time, I discovered 3D computer software. I enrolled in a course on 3D modelling and was captivated by its possibilities. Despite the rudimentary results by today's standards, the immense potential of 3D was already evident to me.

Recreating Realism in a Digital World

I founded Platinum FMD back in Brazil in 1992. I continued deepening my knowledge in post-production, especially in image manipulation using Photoshop. It was at that point that I realised CGI was a one-way road, a revolution that would completely change the image production process. I structured Platinum to develop our CGI skills, and made a point of being directly involved in the production line. For several years, our studio was one of the first in the world to bring photography, post-production, and CGI together under one roof.

The most accessible software to us at the time was LightWave, the first to use HDRI images for environment lighting. Later, we switched to Cinema 4D, its user-friendly interface made it easy for me to dive into the 3D World, and became the foundation of our digital image work. We entered a new stage of working with Cinema 4D alongside Maxwell, an unbiased renderer that, at the time, delivered the most realistic results available.

“I still couldn't replicate, either in results or in approach, what I was able to achieve when photographing physical products in my studio.”

3D lights felt lifeless; they didn't behave like real studio lights; reflections lacked realism, and positioning a reflection on an object was an exhausting trial-and-error process. The intuitive link between light, object, and camera, so natural in the physical world, was painfully absent.

Finding the missing link: HDR Light Studio

That changed when I received an email about a new piece of software called HDR Light Studio. Supposedly, you could choose a light source based on an HDRI image and position it so that its reflection would appear exactly where you wanted on the object, simply by clicking on that spot. I watched the demo video, and it was true: with just one click, the reflection of the selected light appeared precisely where intended. There were also many other options for editing the lighting. It blew my mind.

"With just one click, the reflection of the selected light appeared precisely where intended. There were also many other options for editing the lighting. It blew my mind."

I waited patiently for Cinema 4D support, checking the website every month until it finally arrived. I immediately purchased a permanent licence, HDR Light Studio allowed me to think about lighting in the same way I did in my studio. CGI lighting began to feel like photography.

A Studio Experience in CGI

When I'm working in HDR Light Studio, I feel as though I'm in my studio, shooting with a camera and conventional lighting. The results I achieve with Lightmap's software are virtually identical to those produced in a physical studio. However, with a significant advantage: with a single mouse click, I can place the light, and therefore the reflection, precisely where I want it.

What keeps me coming back to HDR Light Studio is not just the realism, but the workflow. What once was trial-and-error, physically moving lights around in a 3D space, now takes seconds with a single click. The artist is back in control.

Lighting the Story

“I use HDR Light Studio in tabletop projects, as well as for drinks, jewelry, cars... any project that demands refined, high-quality lighting.”

HDR Light Studio makes a big difference to my projects and is an integral part of Platinum FMD’s premium client work. Two standout examples include:

Chanel Boy Friend Watch: “A project I would have found extremely difficult to execute... without HDR Light Studio.”

Natura Amazônia Product Line: A campaign where HDR Light Studio’s nuanced lighting helped capture the tactile essence of natural materials.

Scrim Light: Studio Diffusion, Digitally Perfected

I almost always light objects in the studio using diffusion panels placed in front of the light sources. This causes the light to spread softly and evenly across the panel, creating a smooth and consistent illumination. It's especially valuable for capturing reflective materials, such as glass and chrome, where controlling light and reflections is crucial.

"HDR Light Studio’s Scrim Light offers the same result, with the added benefit of countless variations and control options. It’s simply brilliant."

Why Lighting Matters Most

“Lighting is the most important element in any 3D project… HDR Light Studio makes this critical process as straightforward as possible, delivering top-tier results.”

To artists on the fence, my message to you is clear: don't underestimate the power of lighting. Even the most detailed model can fall flat without it, and HDR Light Studio gives artists the tools to make every surface sing. Take your projects to the next level with HDR Light Studio.

At Lightmap, we're proud to support visionary artists like Leonardo Vilela, whose work bridges the precision of studio photography with the possibilities of CGI. His journey from Rio de Janeiro to Paris and beyond reflects the same commitment to craft, curiosity, and innovation that drives HDR Light Studio. We're honoured to be part of Platinum FMD’s creative toolkit and to contribute to the consistently stunning, high-end visuals they produce. Thank you, Leo, for sharing your story, and for continuing to push the boundaries of digital lighting.