Learning Maya 5: Rendering

The initial chapters cover materials, shaders, and textures--the attributes most responsible for the look of an object. The authors begin with an explanation of how Mayas shading networks work, followed by discussions of the wide assortment of materials available, including multi-layered shaders (shaders composed of more than one material). Far from just a theoretical discussion, each page and chapter is filled with screenshots, definitions, and step-by-step tutorials designed to immediately expand your knowledge of how Maya works.

Placing a specific decal (like a logo) on a specific place of a model is perhaps the most difficult task modelers face, but after working through the tutorials in chapter 2 (some 45 pages worth) even this becomes easy. The authors go one step further by texturing a model with not just a single file, but a multilayered texture consisting of several files, as well as using texture files for displacement mapping on difficult-to-model objects (tire treads, in this case). Subsequent chapters discuss various types of lighting, camera attributes, shadow manipulation, compositing, and other important render output settings often overlooked by the untrained eye.

Part of the "Learning Maya" series from Sybex, the official publisher for Alias|Wavefront, Learning Maya 5: Rendering includes a CD containing all project and texture files, and a DVD that introduces some of the features new to Maya 5. This is a valuable series for any Maya artist. --Mike Caputo

Product Description
"The Rendering book does something every book should do--certainly every excellent book--it offers you content unavailable anywhere else."
--3DNY.org

Learning Maya 5: Rendering is your solution to creating stunning images in Maya.

New for Maya 5!

Updated from the popular Learning Maya: Rendering, this book will teach you what you need to know when using the Maya rendering engine and mental ray for Maya. You'll learn to take advantage of options new in Maya 5, such as Hardware and Vector Rendering. Get the information you need to master Caustics and Global Illumination, Final Gather and HDRI. Learning Maya 5: Rendering includes an inspiring photo gallery of images rendered in Maya and mental ray(r) for Maya so you can see the types of results you'll learn to achieve.

Features:
This book will allow you to explore lighting, cameras, shading networks, and other rendering issues from an introductory level and will also allow you to explore advanced concepts in a comfortable format. Each topic is explored in both theory and practice so that you'll not only understand the concepts presented, you'll be able to complete easy-to-follow step-by-step tutorials. In addition, you'll take advantage of valuable chapter-by-chapter overviews provided in QuickTime(r) format on DVD-ROM. Offered by one of the book's contributors, Cathy McGinnis, an Alias|Wavefront(TM) Certified Instructor, these helpful movies will allow you to gain additional insight as you work through the book.

With this books you will:
* Create materials and textures.
* Set up lights and cameras.
* Work with shadows and raytracing.
* Learn to control your renders.
* Understand rendering for special effects and compositing.
* Explore Hardware Rendering and vector Rendering.
* Create Caustics and Global Illumination effects.
* Understand Final Gather and HDRI techniques.
* Create Maya and mental ray Shaders.

And much more...