Synopses & Reviews
Lighting is the one thing that makes or breaks any CG environment. This inspirational book and DVD give you everything you need to create convincing CG lightin; from the concepts and theoretical aspects to the techniques and tricks that are essential in a production environment. The stunning color illustrations throughout the book illustrate just what can be done, while the tutorials show you exactly how to do it.
Every ounce of theory is backed up with practical tutorials, using the free trial versions of 3ds Max and Combustion supplied on the companion DVD. The tutorials take you from the fundamentals of lighting, right through to advanced techniques with many new sections, including ones that cover radiosity techniques, rendering with mental ray, and compositing.
Certified by Autodesk, Darren Brooker's new edition teaches the real methods behind real-world work. If you want a one-stop master class in CG lighting, or if you just want to brush up on your existing skills - then this book contains everything you need.
* Everything you need to learn the art of CG lighting in one easy-to-use volume
* Free trial software and detailed tutorials take you through every step of the CG lighting process
* Learn the art and science of lighting CG environments the Autodesk-certified way
Review
gifted us with a fine addition to our 3D library, to be referenced and considered over and over. Students and seasoned artists will benefit from the broad concepts and specific examples delivered."
Robert Taylor, CG Supervisor & Consultant
Review
Published reviews of previous editions:
“In terms of visual impact, lighting can either make or break an animation. In this book, Darren Brooker gives this subject the respect it deserves. Thoroughly recommended reading.”
Brant Drewery, Editor, CGI Magazine
“Darren Brooker has gifted us with a fine addition to our 3D library, to be referenced and considered over and over. Students and seasoned artists will benefit from the broad concepts and specific examples delivered.”
Robert Taylor, CG Supervisor & Consultant
"If you work in game art, film or architectural visualisation, you'll need this lighting handbook."
3D World Magazine - October 2006
Synopsis
This book and DVD package presents the concepts and techniques artists need to create convincing CG lighting effects with 3ds Max--a vital skill for any 3D artist creating models, characters and CG environments. This new edition features new sections on radiosity techniques, rendering with mental ray, and compositing, along with practical tutorials using the free demo versions of 3ds Max and Combustion supplied on the companion DVD.
About the Author
Darren Brooker is a CG artist, with experience at Cosgrove Hall Digital and Pepper’s Ghost, both top UK production studios. He is an award-winning, independent rendering and lighting specialist and an experienced journalist with published work in the Guardian, 3D World, CGI, Computer Arts, Creation and Broadcast Engineering News.
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Table of Contents
Introduction; Part 1: Theory ; A little light theory; CG lights examined; Understanding shadows; Part 2: Techniques; Basic lighting techniques; Further lighting techniques; Radiosity techniques; Indoor lighting techniques; Outdoor lighting techniques; Special lighting techniques; Match lighting; Lighting and lens effects; Rendering with mental ray; Lighting for games; Compositing; Part 3: Tips and tricks; In production; Part 4: Taking it further; Composition and drama; Camerawork and technicalities; Looking further; Appendices: About the DVD; Glossary; Bibliography. DVD content: The natural elements; Tricks of the trade; Third-party plug-ins