2011

Table Of Contents
Natural Light
For practical purposes at ground level, sunlight has parallel rays coming from
a single direction. The direction and angle vary depending on the time of day,
the latitude, and the season.
In clear weather, the color of sunlight is a pale yellow: for example, RGB values
of 250, 255, 175 (HSV 45, 80, 255). Cloudy weather can tint sunlight blue,
shading into dark gray for stormy weather. Particles in the air can give sunlight
an orange or brownish tint. At sunrise and sunset, the color can be more
orange or red than yellow.
Shadows are more distinct the clearer the day is, and can be essential for
bringing out the three-dimensionality of a naturally lit scene.
A directional light can also simulate moonlight, which is white but dim
compared to the sun.
Artificial Light
A scene illuminated by point lights, spotlights, or distant lights is artificially
illuminated. Therefore, it can be helpful to know how light behaves.
When light rays strike a surface, the surface reflects them, or at least some of
them, enabling us to see the surface. The appearance of a surface depends on
the light that strikes it combined with the properties of the surface material,
such as color, smoothness, and opacity.
Other factors, such as a lights color, intensity, attenuation, and angle of
incidence also play a role in how objects in a scene appear.
Quick Reference
Commands
DISTANTLIGHT
Creates a distant light.
LIGHT
Creates a light.
LIGHTLIST
Turns on and off the Lights in Model palette that lists all lights in the model.
FREESPOT
Creates free spotlight which is similar to a spotlight without a specified target.
Guidelines for Lighting | 2013