Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
Let's start off by going to the Create panel. Click on the
Light icon to see a list of six different basic light types with
two Mental Ray types under these. Let's run down the
differences between these lights.
Figure 6-2: A sample of each of the basic light types
Target Spot:
The target spot works just as a spotlight on
a stage works. When creating a target spotlight, you place
the light and then place its target. As the target gets far-
ther away from the light, the light fades and gets wider
based on its properties. You can also set the light's width.
Target Direct:
A target direct light works the same as a
target spot. The only difference is that a target direct light
emits light from an area and does not fade outward. It
shoots a focused beam of light that will not “cone” out the
farther away it gets from the camera. Think of it as a cylin-
der-shaped shaft of light.
Omni:
The omni light casts light in all directions, much
like a lightbulb hanging from a wire. The omni light is very
powerful and is a great way to fill a room with light or cre-
ate specific pools of light and shadow.
Free Spot:
The free spot is the same as the target spot,
minus the target. In order to make a free spotlight (or any
light without a target) face an object, you have to rotate it.
In almost every case it is easier to just use the target spot.
Being able to quickly grab a light's target and move it to
the desired location is very efficient. However, there are
certain cases where you may not want a target.
