Synopses & Reviews
ILLUMINATED PIXELS provides a balanced, unique approach to great lighting by looking at the why, what, and how of lighting: "Why are you lighting?" This question asks the purpose of your lights and relates to the aesthetic intent of the image. ILLUMINATED PIXELS defines the goals of lighting and explains how to use your lights to accomplish each goal. "What are the physical properties of light you are trying to imitate?" Without a proper knowledge of real-world light, your digital lighting may appear odd or unnatural. This book discusses the properties of light not just in a theoretical sense, but with further discussion of the digital tools you can use to re-create them. "How will you accomplish this?" This book will help you find and apply the appropriate techniques to achieve the best possible digital lighting for your project. Using the questions above as a framework, ILLUMINATED PIXELS explains artistry, real-world physics, and computer technology in a practical, integrated way, giving you the knowledge needed to master the art of digital lighting. All the content and skills taught are non-software-specific, making this book an essential tool for any digital lighting professional or hobbyist. "ILLUMINATED PIXELS covers digital lighting with detail and care. Virginia understands lighting from the perspective of a feature-film technical director and teaches both the concepts and the techniques behind the art." - Rob Bredow, Chief Technology Officer, Sony Imageworks "ILLUMINATED PIXELS is an excellent resource for artists who wish to learn about the practical and aesthetic principles of CG lighting." - Peter Weishar, Dean of Film, Digital Media, and Performing Arts, Savannah College of Art and Design "If you buy one book to help you understand what goes on behind the scenes in a professional studio when lighting animation and visual effects, don't hesitate to buy ILLUMINATED PIXELS." - MacDuff Knox, Senior Technical Director, Disney
Synopsis
Illuminated Pixels: The Why, What, and How of Digital Lighting teaches digital artists how to apply the foundational principles of lighting to digital lighting and design. The book explores the why, what, and how of lighting, integrating classic concepts with modern techniques, explaining the importance and the application of them. By discussing first concept, then how concept is applied through specific techniques, each of three important components - artistry, real-world physics, and computer technology - are integrated in a practical, useful way, giving the reader real tools and knowledge needed to master the art of digital lighting. No other book on the market presents this material in this way and all the content and skills taught are non-software specific.
About the Author
Virginia Bowman Wissler has over a decade of experience in the 3D animation field, beginning at Square LA and later for seven years at Sony Pictures Imageworks, first as a Technical Director, and later as Digital Instructor. Her experience as a Senior Technical Director on such award-winning films as Stuart Little, Hollow Man, Cast Away, and Matrix Reloaded, has given her years of hands-on experience making the highest quality 3D imagery, working with and learning from the best in the industry. While as a trainer she developed her skills at writing course content and presenting information in a clear, well organized, and interesting manner. She trained artists on films such as Polar Express, Monster House, Superman Returns, The Chronicles of Narnia, and Academy Award-winning Spiderman II. As a Digital Instructor teaching industry professionals she created a series of classes called Lighting Concepts. First presented at Sony, the classes were later adapted for presentation at universities, and became the genesis of the book "Illuminated Pixels." Virginia currently works as a freelance technical director, most recently working on the soon to be released Roland Emmerich film 2012. She also teaches at Savannah College of Art and Design.
Table of Contents
Preface. SECTION I: THE "WHY" OF LIGHTING: THE PURPOSE OF LIGHTING. 1. Goal One: Establishing Mood. 2. Goal Two: Directing the Eye. 3. Goal Three: Establish Setting. 4. Goal Four: Creating Dimension. 5. Goals Five and Six: Providing Cohesiveness and Creating Visual Interest. SECTION II: THE "WHAT" OF LIGHTING: A "REAL" FOUNDATION. 6. Property One of Light: Intensity. 7. Property Two of Light: Quality. 8. Property Three of Light: Color. 9. Property Four of Light: Position. 10. A Basic Surface: Diffuse, Secular, and Ambient Reflection. 11. Other Common Surface Properties. 12. Real Cameras and Film. 13. Mathematical Foundation. SECTION II: THE "HOW" OF LIGHTING: TOOLS AND TECHNIQUES. 14. 3D Basics. 15. Three Point Lighting and Beyond. 16. Shadows. 17. Colorspace. 18. Compositing Essentials. 19. Workflow and Optimizing Tips. 20. Case Studies and Interviews. References. Index.