2009

Table Of Contents
Lighting and shadows
Cameras and animation
Rendering method
Visual effects
In Maya, rendering can be accomplished using software (Maya Software
Renderer, mental ray
®
for Maya
®
Renderer, or the Maya
®
Vector Renderer) or
hardware rendering methods. Each type has its distinct advantages. Which
renderer you decide to use will be determined by your image requirements
(that is, the look you require) and time constraints.
Software rendering generally allows you to create more precise results but can
take longer to produce each frame or image. The Maya software render type
uses a process for scene illumination that directly illuminates objects in the
scene or simulates illumination by reflecting neighboring objects in the scene
or via texture mapping the effect on the object.
The mental ray
®
for Maya
®
software render type additionally provides a feature
called Global Illumination: a process that simulates the effect of indirectly
illuminating objects that are not receiving direct illumination. It can also
simulate light effects known as caustics. Hardware rendering is generally faster
but is less capable of producing detailed results. In addition, some visual effects
can only be produced via one method; at times, a combination of more than
one type of rendering method may be required.
Rendering usually requires several iterations to achieve the final image that
meets your requirements. The key is to strike the balance between producing
the image that meets your requirements and producing it in the time required.
This is particularly important if you are using Maya in a production setting.
This chapter introduces you to some of the fundamental concepts and skills
related to rendering. This chapter includes the following lessons:
Lesson 1 Rendering a scene:
Introduction on page 377
Lesson 2 Shading surfaces: Introduction on page 404
Lesson 3 Lights, shadows, and cameras: Introduction on page 423
Lesson 4 Global Illumination: Introduction on page 440
Lesson 5 Caustics: Introduction on page 458
376 | Chapter 9 Rendering