Before:
I've taken Phil's advice and I've re-done the lighting on the Canyon scene. I want it to look like it is underneath a canopy of trees, with the shadows outlining the objects above them. It now matches the other scenes much better and the Sporagnium pod at the end of the shot is highlighted in a orangey/ goldy shine, which makes it seem more important. I've also made the water look a bit more muddy and dark.
Before:
Before:
okay - this is much better already, but, if this was a still image and I was looking to make it 'pop', I'd want to get some rim lighting on those fronds that stick out from the side of the canyon - just some highlights to being it to life... there is something still rather flattening about your lighting in these shots - I encourage you to get creative and 'illogical' with your lights and just make it look punchy... do as a lighting designer on a set would do - they would simply use whatever lighting he needed - regardless of their sense in the world - until the shot looked rich and atmospheric... it's set-dressing, Sam - and it's essential!
OK Phil, I've been testing a few new light effects and I think I've found a way of making it look more atmospheric. I'll post up a few more shots.