TGJ2O_3d-Lighting

include component="page" page="course_tabs_header" include component="page" page="menu_tgj2o_3d" =LIGHTING= Creating greater realism with light and shadow

Shown here are three differently "Lit" renders of the Flying Saucer. Which one looks the most realistic?
 * [[image:lighthing_none.jpg width="272" height="208"]] || [[image:lighthing_sun.jpg width="269" height="206"]] || [[image:lighthing_sun_shadows.jpg width="271" height="207"]] ||
 * Default Lighting || One Light added - Infinite || One Light - Cast Shadows ||

Lighting effects are subtle, but have a HUGE impact on the final quality of your pictures. We're used to seeing complex shadows in nature, and if they're missing, "something" looks artificial. A "well lit" scene can be very convincing.



The new light will appear at the top of your scene. Try to ROTATE the light so it matches the light source in your background image. If you can convincingly match your light source, your image becomes MUCH more convincing and realistic. **Try rendering your image to see the effects.**
 * __HOW TO CREATE SHADOWS__**
 * **1. ADD a CUSTOM LIGHT**
 * **Use BUILD | ADD LIGHT** from the dropdown menu || [[image:cyberdog:30381163 caption="Anim8or-Lighting04.jpg"]] ||
 * 2. The default is an "INFINITE" light - it can be affected by DIRECTION (rotation), but not LOCATION. That means you can AIM it, but moving it around on the screen has **no effect**. Name the new light "SUN" and click OKAY. || [[image:light1.png width="128" height="263"]] ||
 * **3. AIM your LIGHT**

The new light does NOT initially cast shadows - to create shadows, you need to complete BOTH steps 4 and 5 below. || || > //The light is now **capable** of creating shadows, but none will appear until you complete step5 below.// ||   || > //The shadows will now appear when you render an image of your scenes.// ||  || You can also try turning up or down the brightness of your light (double click the light, then adjust the colour settings)
 * **4. CREATE SHADOWS**
 * Double click the LIGHT
 * Choose ADVANCED, and turn on "CASTS SHADOWS".
 * **5. DISPLAY SHADOWS**
 * Double click the SAUCER (or whatever object you want - give it a name while you're in here)
 * Toggle on CASTS and RECEIVES in the Shadow options.

NEXT: Lights... CAMERA