I am trying to generate a 2d image dataset form a 3d model rendered in Blender. I want to randomize the orientation of the object, the lightning and a background image.
My idea to randomize the lighting is to have a light aiming at the object at a fixed distance (radius) but otherwise positioned randomly around the object. By doing that I foresee a problem: there will be very strong shadows. The scene contains only the object, so there is nothing to reflect and spread the light.
How could I solve that? Would it work to have some "general" lighting and then have this other moving light in a way that all faces of the are never in absolute darkness? Is there a method (best practice) to lid and object quite evenly? Is there a certain type of light that spreads more than another?
Another important point is that the background of the rendered image should be either a solid color or transparent in order to replace it with a background image. Shadows on the background would be a problem.
And last thing to mention: I am just getting started with blender. So please tell me if you think I am trying to do something stupid or in a very wrong way. For example I am not sure if it makes to have a scene with only one object or it would be better to try to recreate a room scenario were the light is reflected in the walls more naturally.
My model
This is my model from 3DXtras and below is a render of it. This image shows pretty much the kind of lightning I want to achieve but with an solid colored background if possible.