Product Notes

The Guide is organized in four sections: Part 1- Basic Concepts; Part 2 – The Mechanics Of Image-Based Lighting In Maxwell Render; Part 3 – Selection Of An Appropriate High Dynamic Range Image (the core of the tutorial), and Part 4- Background Images – “Backplates.”

While this document is lengthy and full of many small “facts,” “tips” and image comparisons, it is not necessary that you read it in its entirety. Nor is it necessary to read it in order. For example, you really don’t need to know what an HDRI image is or how it is made (Part 1) to be able to use it well. But Part 1 also describes where to get good images. If Maxwell Render is not your primary rendering application, you can skip Part 2. Part 4 deals with a subject important to only some users. To be able to use image-based lighting with some expertise, all that is really necessary is to read and understand the concepts and information presented in Part 3.