Blinded by the light: Does portrait lighting design affect perception of realistic virtual humans?

Lighting has long been recognized as a crucial element in enhancing the appeal and emotional depth of characters across different media formats. This study investigates the impact of well-established portrait lighting designs on the perception of realistic digital human characters. We provide insight into how real-world lighting styles can be used to enhance the perceived appeal, trustworthiness, and emotional authenticity of digital human characters while minimizing the sense of eeriness. The findings of this study are expected to contribute to the understanding of how lighting influences the perception of digital characters and inform the development of more engaging virtual experiences in various domains.