Crafting a perfect rendering in 3D software means nailing all the details. And no matter what software you use, your success in creating realistic-looking illumination, shadows and textures depends on your professional lighting and rendering techniques. In this lavishly illustrated new edition, Pixar's Jeremy Birn shows you how to: Master Hollywood lighting techniques to produce professional results in any 3D application Convincingly composite 3D models into real-world environments Apply advanced rendering techniques using subsurface scattering, global illumination, caustics, occlusion, and high dynamic range images Design realistic materials and paint detailed texture maps Mimic real-life camera properties such as f-stops, exposure times, depth-of-field, and natural color temperatures for photorealistic renderings Render in multiple passes for greater efficiency and creative control Understand production pipelines at visual effects and animation studios Develop your lighting reel to get a job in the industry

Crafting a perfect rendering in 3D software means nailing the details. Your success in creating realistic-looking illumination depends on your professional rendering techniques. This work shows how to: master Hollywood lighting techniques to produce professional results in 3D application; composite 3D models into real-world environments; and more.

"[Digital] Lighting & Rendering teaches essential skills and concepts you can apply in any 3D rendering package, and includes tips and examples for Maya, LightWave 3D, Softimage XSI, 3D Studio MAX, Mental Ray, and other leading programs. But software is not the focus of this book - it's about what you can create." "Master Hollywood lighting techniques to produce professional results in any 3D package. Stage and frame your 3D animation for cinematic storytelling. Composite 3D models into real-world environments with perfectly matched illumination, shadows, and reflections. Render multilayer, multipass shots for professional visual effects production. Simulate the results of natural color temperatures, f-stops, and exposure times for photorealistic renderings. Understand the art and science behind raytracing, global illumination, radiosity, photon mapping, and caustics. Create rich texture maps that give flesh to your characters and local flavor to your 3D scenes."--BOOK JACKET.Title Summary field provided by Blackwell North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved

Who better to teach students the fine art and craft of digital lighting and rendering than the individual who created many of the stunning lighting effects for Pixar's blockbuster films such as Brave, Toy Story 3, Wall-e, Cars, and The Incredibles? In these pages, lighting and animation pro Jeremy Birn draws on his wealth of industry and teaching experience to provide an thoroughly updated edition of what has become the standard guide to digital lighting and rendering. Using beautiful, full-colour examples; a friendly, clear teaching style; and a slew of case studies and tutorials, Jeremy demonstrates how to create strategic lighting for just about any project. By explaining not just how to use various lighting techniques but why, this guide provides the grounding graphics pros need to master Hollywood lighting techniques. Realising that lighting - how it's used, where it's placed, and the kind of shadow it casts - is critical to any image, Jeremy dedicates the first half of his volume to just that topic. Additional chapters cover colour, exposure, composition, materials and textures, and compositing.

"[Digital] Lighting & Rendering teaches essential skills and concepts you can apply in any 3D rendering package, and includes tips and examples for Maya, LightWave 3D, Softimage XSI, 3D Studio MAX, Mental Ray, and other leading programs. But software is not the focus of this book - it's about what you can create." "Master Hollywood lighting techniques to produce professional results in any 3D package. Stage and frame your 3D animation for cinematic storytelling. Composite 3D models into real-world environments with perfectly matched illumination, shadows, and reflections. Render multilayer, multipass shots for professional visual effects production. Simulate the results of natural color temperatures, f-stops, and exposure times for photorealistic renderings. Understand the art and science behind raytracing, global illumination, radiosity, photon mapping, and caustics. Create rich texture maps that give flesh to your characters and local flavor to your 3D scenes."--BOOK JACKET.Title Summary field provided by Blackwell North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved

Annotation 'Illuminated Pixels' 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.

Lighting for Animation is designed with one goal in mind - to make you a better artist. Over the course of the book, Jasmine Katatikarn and Michael Tanzillo (Senior Lighting TDs, Blue Sky Studios) will train your eye to analyze your work more critically, and teach you approaches and techniques to improve your craft. Focusing on the main philosophies and core concepts utilized by industry professionals, this book builds the foundation for a successful career as a lighting artist in visual effects and computer animation. Inside you’ll find in-depth instruction on: • Creating mood and storytelling through lighting • Using light to create visual shaping • Directing the viewer’s eye with light and color • Gathering and utilizing reference images • Successfully lighting and rendering workflows • Render layers and how they can be used most effectively • Specific lighting scenarios, including character lighting, environment lighting, and lighting an animated sequence • Material properties and their work with lighting • Compositing techniques essential for a lighter • A guide on how to start your career and achieve success as a lighting artist This book is not designed to teach software packages—there are websites, instructional manuals, online demos, and traditional courses available to teach you how to operate specific computer programs. That type of training will teach you how to create an image; this book will teach you the technical skills you need to make that image beautiful. Key Features Stunning examples from a variety of films serve to inspire and inform your creative choices. Unique approach focuses on using lighting as a storytelling tool, rather than just telling you which buttons to press. Comprehensive companion website contains lighting exercises, assets, challenges, and further resources to help you expand your skillset.