This module will start by blocking out your shot. We will explore the different parameters that are utilized in a Houdini Camera. We will then focus on understanding how to set up lights in Houdini. We will go through point, spot, area, geometry, and sun lights. Finally we will set up Mantra for rendering. We will discuss the differences between Micropolygon and PBR renders.

Maxwell Render™ is a physically correct, unbiased rendering engine. By calculating complex light interactions, Maxwell Render is capable of simulating light exactly as in the real world. Unbiased means Maxwell Render™ does not use tricks to imitate real world behavior like other renderers – everything is reproduced as it is through governing physical equations.Maxwell Render™ can fully capture all light interactions between all elements in a scene no matter how complex they are. All lighting calculations are performed using spectral information and high dynamic range data.

In this tutorial we’ll learn how to take a basic render scene and add textures, render it and composite it into a finished shot. We'll be covering all the steps needed to take a plain render and make it better. We’ll begin this project by creating a procedural dirt shader for our ground cover. Then we'll hop into Photoshop to create a photographic texture for our road. We'll then add some detail using more procedural textures to break up the edges of the road and create a broken concrete feel. From there we will set up a particle system for our tires and create render layers and passes. Finally we will composite our shot using the Maya Precomp feature and Maya Composite. We'll learn how to color correct our passes, add various blurs and composite everything together into an integrated shot.

On this last of three DVDs in the Matte Surface rendering series, Scott shares with you the complex curved surface shading techniques he has been teaching for over a decade. He explains a logical and technical approach to assigning values to simple curved panels. Using Nupastel chalk and Vertithin-Prismacolor pencils, he shows various lighting strategies you can use to light and render complex curved surfaces of your own design. The curved surface examples increase in complexity by the end of the DVD, when the cover piece is rendered from start to finish. Finally, Scott demonstrates several quick vehicle value sketches, employing all of the knowledge learned from this series. This DVD is intended as a "must-watch" for beginners ready to take their skills to the next level, as well as a solid foundation for the more experienced artist/designer.

In this tutorial, we will try to recreate this render by Robert Hirsch. He posted it to the Greyscalegorilla Facebook Page a while back and I assumed it was made with Cinema 4D. But, after asking more about it, he let me know it was actually made with 3D Max. So, I thought it would be fun to try and recreate it using Cinema 4D. Follow along as we sweep-nurb and Physical render our way though trying to recreate this stunning image.

In this tutorial I will walk you through lighting and texturing a scene for rendering with Cycles