Character rendering lighting set up, how would you do it?

[scottiedoo]

well I know there has been many discussions on lighting in this forum, do a little searching and I am sure someone has talked about this before, but just so I 'm not leaving this thread empty handed, i'll share some info for ya..

One thing I would recommend if you plan on really learning how to light correctly and all of the principles is to read Jeremy Birn's Digital Lighting and Rendering book (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/1562059548/qid=1126585584/sr=8-1/ref=pd_bbs_1/103-8762166-6492653?v=glance&s=books&n=507846)

This will greatly help you out in learning how to begin your lighting.

As for tips, many are listed in the book, is to get reference for how you want to lighting to effect your character.

If you are looking to light your character turnaround just for simple display so you can read all the details in your model, then start with a basic 3 point lighting setup, and if needed add a few more lights. There are several tutorials online discussing how to setup a 3 point light setup on the web.

Lighting just take time and patients to get the correct results, but trust me, it will greatly improve the quality of your work knowing that you put all your time into your model, why not show it off the best you can right?

I personally prefer to light using spotlights in Maya. Gives you the best control over so many lighting effects and makes it easier to position your lights as well. You can do these with all lights I believe, but using a spotlight and using the "look through selected" action in the panels menu in the viewport allows you to quickly move your light to where you want it.

I do not know if you are looking for any more tips, just let us know.

Good luck!
-Scott

[Andrew W]

I think this (http://forums.cgsociety.org/showthread.php?t=124582) thread might prove useful.

AW

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