Crafting a perfect rendering in 3D software means nailing all the details. And no matter what software you use, your success in creating realistic-looking illumination, shadows, and textures depends on your professional lighting and rendering techniques. In this lavishly illustrated new edition, Pixar's Jeremy Birn shows you how to:

• Master Hollywood lighting techniques to produce professional results in any 3D application
• Convincingly composite 3D models into real-world environments
• Apply advanced rendering techniques using subsurface scattering, global illumination, caustics, occlusion, and high dynamic range images
• Design realistic materials and paint detailed texture maps
• Mimic real-life camera properties such as f-stops, exposure times, depth-of- field, and natural color temperatures for photorealistic renderings
• Render in multiple passes for greater efficiency and creative control
• Understand production pipelines at visual effects and animation studios
• Develop your lighting reel to get a job in the industry

• Fundamentals of Lighting Design
• Lighting Basics and Good Practices
• Shadows and Occlusion
• Lighting Environments and Architecture
• Lighting Creatures, Characters, and Animation
• Cameras and Exposure
• Composition and Staging
• The Art and Science of Color
• Shaders and Rendering Algorithms
• Designing and Assigning Textures
• Rendering Passes and Compositing
• Production Pipelines and Professional Practices
• Index