I'm trying to get a nice result of backlit/translucent hair/fur using Houdinis built-in fur system/shader. However I'm running into a problem as the hairs are casting 100% opaque shadows resulting in that the light dies of way to early in my fur.

What is the best way of achieving this look? I'm after a quite prominent effect.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/singingpixel_photography/124613590/ [flickr.com]
http://www.flickr.com/photos/angelakleis/2215946284/ [flickr.com]

if you use refractions with a wide cone angle (like maybe 30), you get a really nice translucent effect. If only refract against lights, the render times are pretty reasonable as well.

That sure looks interesting. I'll give it a try!