- Dark Cellar -
 

Ok, ive been creating a stair case leading down to a dark cellar for my friend. Ive got the modelling done, but im struggling with the lighting, big time.
Im not sure how to set it up so the light is shining down the stairs leaving a semi circular patch at the bottom, as if the door is left open in the top room.

( i will be putting an object in that light at the bottom )

the walls will have a green peeling paint texture and the stairs and cellar made of stone. the angle will be some 1 on the stairs looking down to the bottom and light should be that pool fading out into a pitch black cellar, with a musky light on the walls of the stairs

This SS shows the patch of yellow ( elegantly done in paint ) wear the light shud end. the light should shine on the walls too with a dark musky effect.
http://img146.imageshack.us/img146/4...ers2uf7.th.jpg

http://img86.imageshack.us/img86/247...ers1ck7.th.jpg

Thanks =)

Welcome to the SimpleMaya community. :)

Well you could use "light reduction" to get a nice feeling to it, and put on shadows and make a "door"(a square plane would do) and just put the light behind the door to make the light.

Perhaps you should add some light fog to make it look a bit "dusty in the air" I dont know the english name for it.

And perhaps you will need to do some filling lights. Well, good luck. :D

I didnt see this post... Now i feel as though i am copying you...
Keep up the good work though :)
I think what you are looking for is a spot light. Or you could use a directional light with a plane in front of it with an alpha in the shape of the door.

thanks for the replies, uhm could you be vey specific, as im not so new to maya or 3ds max but im a complete begginner for lighting and texturing in maya. =) cheers so far.

Well either press F1 for the help files, use google or pay up for a tutorial, good luck with either one you choose. :)