updated April 13th 2010
This tutorial page is for any tutorials I happen to make for friends and forum members who have asked for assistance with something. If there's a specific problem you need help with, and I know the answer, then I'll try and create a tutorial to show the easiest way to solve the problem.
If you want to contact me to request a tutorial, click here .
Basic space picture setup
The idea behind this tutorial is to show
beginners how to set up a pretty basic space scene, and how to handle
the properties of the camera, lights and background to achieve
that. It shows how to move, aim and set the lighting, adjust
basic properties of many of the basic elements of a scene and how to
load and view a backdrop image. By the end you should be able
to confidently create your own space scene, light it and save it as a
picture.
Basic Flyby animation
This 2-part tutorial shows how I would go about setting up a simple flyby animation, using a scene we have previously set up using the tutorial above. This time I show how to use the timeline and keyframes to set the position of the camera at various points in the animation, and how I actually render out the finished product. The finished animation can been seen at the end of the tutorial by clicking on the link in the video, or by clicking here.
How to activate Morph Mixing
Some of the models on this site use a technique called morph mapping, used in order to allow us to easily animate certain functions. The new F14 model and the aero shuttle are prime examples of this, but there will be more soon. In order that you can use this function, here's a quick explanation with pictures...
1. Select the object you know has a morph map and press the p key to bring up it's properties. In the properties sheet select the DEFORM tab. SCREENSHOT 1
2. In the Add Displacement bar you now select Morph Mixer from the drop down menu that appears. SCREENSHOT 2
3. The Morph Mixer option will now be listed in the Displacement box. Double-click on the morph mixer to bring up the mixer. SCREENSHOT 3
4. The slider that has appeared controls the extent of the morph. Move it right to activate the morph as programed, and left to extend in the other direction. You're now morphing! SCREENSHOT 4
I will do a video tutorial on modeling with morphs later, when I begin a series of beginners tutorials on model making. Ciao
using envelopes to create flashing lights
In this tutorial I try to show the basic use of the envelope in Lightwave animation, using it to create a flashing beacon or anti-collision light. Envelopes are very handy things and can be used for all sorts of tasks in Lightwave, so it's improtant that you know how to use them before you move on to more complex tasks. The next animation tutorial requires a working knowledge of envelopes before you can complete it.
Moving focus and depth of field
In this tutorial I ramble on a bit trying to explain depth of field off the top of my head, making too many allusions to SLR photography because that's what I was trained in. It shows you the basics of how to set up focus and aperture on the object you want, and then how to change that during an animation like a real camera. Very popular with Battlestar Galactica right now, shifting focus like a news cameraman live at a riot.