Reflections in Mirror

[KnicL]

I noticed that only 'Sky Probe' Background /Sky Type will allow mirrors to reflect backgrounds properly, or else it'll show up black.
If I use an image Background Centered or Fit, then mirrors won't show the background. But when I use a jpg as a Sky Probe, it'll get pinched.
The one I used was just a regular JPG taken from my window at sunrise. Is there a good place to download an outdoor hi-rez HDRI image?
Comments?
Thanks.

[Chris]

Ok, first, The reason why you aren't seeing a reflection with the "Background" sky type is because all the background types only display a "background" in front of the camera. The "sky" behind the camera is black. There literally isn't anything to reflect. In addition, your scene is darker because all the background types don't contribute any light to the scene.

Second, the reason you are getting a pinched look is because you are using the wrong image with the wrong type.
Sky Probes look like spheres and are pretty rare.
Spherical Images look like "wrap around" images and are the most common.
Hemispherical Images are also "wrap around" but only show half the sky; these are almost non-existant.

You have to pick the right kind of image for the type of sky projection you are using.

[Ecuadorian]

Not HDR, but there are good JPG spherical skies (aka 360º skies) in www.cgtextures.com

[Fletch]

Knic,
The Manual explains all this about skies.

[KnicL]

Thanks Chris, you explained the 'Background' option better than the manual (about why there're no reflection).
Yes there are not a lot of spherical HDRs out there; and thanks to Ecuadorian for the link I got some good Hemi-Skies to use that I think will work for scenes with windows.
I should try to make my own hemi-skies from my balcony and use it as a more realistic out-the-window background scenes. I'll see if some panorama JPGs will work or not.
Thanks for your help guys.

Nic

[Chris]

Wow, that gives your image much better lighting! You should post it in WIPs (if you haven't already )

[KnicL]

WIP ? OK I'll do that... get more critiques that way.
Thanks!