I'm testing a more sophisticated lighting scheme, which uses high-intensity light (which can lead to a blinding effect), deep shadows and texture desaturation under clear skies. I have to say, on my screen it comes out really impressive.
Here's a helicopter flight over (and into) Grand Canyon in bright desert light:
Here I'm taking a group of virtual climbers from Icy Bay (Alaska) to Bagley Ice Field below Mt. Logan (Canada) - with the Twin Otter rigged with skies to land on the ice.
Departure from Icy Bay - a steep climb ahead:
Crossing the Yahtse Glacier:
Mt. Logan comes into view:
The Otter has landed (there's really not that much friction... I've tried this for the first time with skies...)
And back, towards Mt. St. Elias (they're all in the 18.000 range, with Icy Bay at sea level, so you get some climb and descent to do). Nice example of the whiteout effect of the intense light - but it fits well the blinding light reflection of the full sun from the ice:
Look at that horizon haze! I know I coded most of it, but sometimes I'm just stunned how the effects come out under some conditions:
It's not called Icy Bay for nothing