Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
Advanced Effects
Figure 6-8: Advanced
Effects rollout
The Advanced Effects rollout is a quick way to make tweaks
to your light settings. For example, after getting a light set up
the way you want it, you may still find you want to adjust the
light's contrast. You may also want to adjust your shadow's
edge softness.
You can do both very quickly and easily with the Advanced
Effects rollout settings. You can even turn off a light's ability
to cast a specular highlight by unchecking the Specular option.
This means that your light will cast an even distribution of
light across an object without creating a hotspot.
Another neat trick is the Projector Map option. The best
way to explain a projection map is to think of the old
Batman
shows. Remember when they shined the Batman symbol into
the sky when they needed Batman? That's an example of a
projection map. You are basically placing an image over your
light in order for it to cast a specific shadow. It can be some-
thing very obvious like the Batman symbol, or it can be
something more subtle like fake water caustics being cast
onto a wall near an indoor pool or a shadow cast from a tree
branch.
Figure 6-9 shows a tree branch image used to create the
shadow map shown in Figure 6-10.
