Dark Iray Renders when using HDRI

josephlemons69_4db0991b45

So all my Iray renders are coming out really dark using an HDRI from Dimension Theory, how do I fix this, do I change the exposure and if so what are some good settings for outdoor scenes, Ive taken photography classes for my degree but I still have trouble understanding what does what and what works well.
Here are my settings I am using right now

 

Richard Haseltine

Is there a dome (an actual model) or the like enclosing your scene?

nicstt

I've turned up Environment Map or  Environment Intensity once or twice, but can't think they've ever been really dark

 

barbult

Are you using an environment map HDRI made for Iray? What is the name of the Dimension Theory product that you got the HDRI from? The older 3Delight HDRI image products created by Dimension Theory relied on an additional distant light for proper illumination.

mjc1016

barbult said:

Are you using an environment map HDRI made for Iray? What is the name of the Dimension Theory product that you got the HDRI from? The older 3Delight HDRI image products created by Dimension Theory relied on an additional distant light for proper illumination.

Those can still be used, but the Environment Map or Intensity WILL need to be adjusted up.  They also don't do very well as combo items (backdrop and lighting) and are best with 'Draw Dome' set to Off.