Lighting issue....
 

Ok, I've basically been doing this a lot lately->:headbang:

I've been working on a small scene for a bit now, and everything is pretty much done. But, unfortunately, I kinda suck at lighting. I need some help!

Basically, I am doing a small apartment interior, all cel-shaded. I have all of the shaders finished and now I've hit almost a standstill. I have tried time and time again to light the scene, but for every time something looks the way I want it to, it makes something else look not so good. I have tried light linking for things like the fridge and stove light, but I can't even get those to light. In the scene, for main lighting of the main space, I have 2 ceiling dome lights, a floor lamp, and a bulb hanging down from the ceiling in 1 area. I've tried Point Lights everywhere, but that wasn't very good. Right now, I've been toying with spotlights everywhere, but that isn't a desired look either. It looks good in some areas, but other areas that shouldn't be dark are for some reason. Can someone please give me some pointers, or point me towards a good tute, on what types of lights to use, and where?!

As always, any help and suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Your going to hate me saying this, but practise makes perfect.

For the bulbs, and lights themselves etc. try adding a glow effect on them.

For lighting itself, www.learningmaya.com

Yes, you're right, I do hate you now:p

I know practice makes almost perfect. I just needed someone to point me in the right direction to practice in.

I'm gonna check that tute you provided. Hopefully, it will work. Thanks!

one nice thing about lighting in 3D is that you don't have to stick your lights only where the modeled lights are. if you find that there are objects not lit properly or enough, you can create lights that are linked to only improve the illumination of those objects. it does take a bit of tinkering (which i think is why people would rather just use hdri/mental ray or maxwell or indigo... they don't want to learn how to light), but in the end it's worth knowing how to do it.

I definitely recommend this site -

http://www.3drender.com/archives/index.htm

There are some good tutorials and it is very helpful.

My girlfriend bought me Jeremy Birn's book and though I haven't had a chance to read it yet, she has had a good read through it and says that it is excellent. Just make sure you get the second edition.

http://www.amazon.com/Digital-Lighti...e=UTF8&s=books

:beer:

Ok, I'm still working on the tutes. I'll let you know if I find something that works.

Thanks a lot, guys, for all of your help. Much appreciated!!

:beer: