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 — introducing the three point lighting system


I've prepared a simple lighting rig. The model is a statue of Blender Foundation's Sintel. The rig has four layers. Layer 1 has the key light. Layer 2 has the fill light. Layer 3 has the back light. Layer 4 has Sintel, the camera, and an empty. Putting the lights on different layers lets you turn them on and off easily. Note that I have set up the 3D View as a QuadView window as discussed in Chapter 2, Getting Comfortable using the 3D View. This will let you adjust the lights in all axes without changing the windows:

  1. Open the file 6907_11_light test rig_Sintel.blend from your download pack.

  2. Press F12. Press Esc when you have finished looking at the image.

What just happened?

This rig has three lights. In the 3D View, the lamps are in black. You can see their location on the left side of the following screenshot and the cones of light that are coming from them. The camera is highlighted:

  • The Key Light is placed between 15 45 degrees...