Hello followers,

I'm Eros Paramento, the founder of extremetextures.com.

I want to share with you a fundamental element that makes our textures unique: the TrueReflection Maps, hyper-realistic reflection maps designed to elevate renders to the next level.

What makes them different?

Many reflection maps are created simply by converting the color (Diffuse) map to grayscale and tweaking the contrast. However, this approach doesn’t capture the true behavior of materials when interacting with incident light, often resulting in flat and unrealistic renders.

Or in PBR materials, the reflection (Roughness or Glossiness) is the outcome of algorithmic interpretation, often using data derived from the Diffuse map.

Our approach

At extremetextures.com, we work differently! Each reflection map is the result of a meticulous process that involves directly capturing the real material under incident light (distinct from the lighting used to obtain the Diffuse). This allows us to extract unique information that accurately reflects the physical behavior of the material.

The result?

Reflection maps that, right from their first use, deliver a stunning level of realism, with detail and depth that immediately draw attention.

To explain this better, let me share two examples:

1. Wood

Imagine observing wood as light reflects across its surface: you might notice streaks and variations in reflection that have nothing to do with the colors visible in the Diffuse map. "Fake" maps completely overlook these details, making all types of wood appear similar in terms of reflection. The result? Flat, unconvincing renders that lack the visual complexity of real wood.

2. Decorative plaster

Take our Archi+Pietra Intonaco: a material where mineral particles are mixed into the base, and the final smoothing process reveals them as a myriad of tiny reflective highlights, each with unique shapes and sizes. Thanks to our technique, we can capture how these mineral particles reflect light, creating a natural and realistic effect where the “glitter” effect emerges in all its authenticity, something you could never achieve with a map derived from the Diffuse.

Why choose TrueReflection?

The human eye is remarkably sensitive to the richness of details and nuances that define the world around us, including those found in reflections. That’s why a render created with our TrueReflection instantly looks more realistic and convincing. When you add a material with a TrueReflection Map to your scene, you immediately notice a tangible difference, a “push” toward a new level of realism.

This effect doesn’t go unnoticed, even by those who aren’t experts (like a client), who will be impressed, even if they can’t pinpoint exactly why.

Thank you for your attention and interest,

Eros Paramento.