Book Image

Blender 3D Basics

Book Image

Blender 3D Basics

Overview of this book

Blender is by far the most popular open source graphics program available. It is a full featured 3D modeling, animation and games development tool used by millions all over the world ñ and it's free! This book is for those looking for an entry into the world of 3D modeling and animation regardless of prior experience. Blender 3D Basics is the entry level book for those without prior experience using 3D tools. It caters for those who may have downloaded Blender in the past but were frustrated by its lack of intuitiveness. Using simple steps it builds, chapter by chapter, into a full foundation in 3D modeling and animation. Using Blender 3D Basics the reader will model a maritime scene complete with boats and water, then add materials, lighting and animation. The book demystifies the Blender interface and explains what each tool does so that you will be left with a thorough understanding of 3D.
Table of Contents (20 chapters)
Blender 3D Basics Beginner's Guide
Credits
About the Author
About the Reviewers
www.PacktPub.com
Preface
3
Controlling the Lamp, the Camera, and Animating Objects
Index

Time for action — tracking the boat


It's pretty natural that if you are watching a boat go by, you turn your head to follow it. The camera is no different. The Track to Constraint command lets you do just that:

  1. Select the camera with theRMB.

  2. Press the Shift key and theRMB to select the boat.

  3. Press Ctrl+T to get the tracking menu. Select Track to Constraint.

  4. Press Numpad 0 to get the camera's view.

  5. Press Alt+A to preview the animation. Press Esc when you are done watching it.

  6. Save the file with a unique name.

What just happened?

Tracking is very similar to parenting. Select the camera, then select what you want to track. Press Ctrl+T and select Track to Constraint, and the camera will follow the object you want to track.

Note

For your reference, the file 6907_06_boat_animated3.blend has the camera tracking the boat.

Have a go hero — tracking with a light

If you've seen an ice skater, you've probably seen them tracked by a spotlight. Try your hand at tracking an object in motion.

Change the light...