Just an update for my Log fly through assignment. Extra lighting has now been added. It consists of a huge spot light over head that stays just in front of the camera. This has created a sense of depth by pushing the background into a lighter haze associated with distance. This was key to getting the look I wanted. Thanks Maya 'foggy spot light' and thanks Rachel for pointing that out. That is a function that I will utilise a lot as I love atmospheric lighting. Must also remember that it can be done in post as the lighting slows down render time but have to say it is convenient to do it all in Maya with quick render check etc. The bump was also softened on the trees which also helped to provide more realism.

Full render has now been done but will also do another as will need to soften the shadowing created by the extra lighting.

A point light was also installed inside the log (thankfully we found the texturing in my dodgy filling system) and this also will need to be softened for another final render.

All in all I'm pretty happy with the out come. Going to have to seriously keep the swat up on Maya, hopefully Ill get some time over the break to keep the hand in.

Have nearly completed the 'fly through' assignment. Had to create a CG environment that the viewer  travels through. Mine is of a rocky bush scene that we float through to the inside of a big old log.

Am pleased that I made the environment mostly comprised of mossed over rocks as it allowed for the exclusion of having to many trees and foliage,- a time consuming process in Maya. The more minimal leaf detail I think worked too as being lush and vibrant green against the rocky background, they tend to stand out as attractive elements.

As with the Dragonfly assignment, more lighting effects are still required but am making good progress for me.

Was a great exercise for me as I think Im finally starting to get my head around applying textures.

Still a long way to go as far as any real decent production value but this was an excellent exercise for me as getting the hang of Maya is key to having good progression next year.

Photoshop is still by far my favorite program to use because its intuitive and I like creating art work but I can more and more see how good it will be to get proficient in Maya as well.

Nearly the end of the year. Two more CG assignments and one exam to go.

Have done first render of the Dragonfly. Pretty happy with the way it looks at this stage. No doubt an improved knowledge of Maya would enhance but am happy with progress so far.

Still have to ad lighting lighting effects etc. Have given the bug a slightly stylised look. The green markings are more florescent rather than real and the bug its self would need a lot more detailing to make it appear fully realistic, as was achieved in Vodafone Mayfly commercial.

                               
                                Vodafone, (2006). BBH London.
                                      Retrieved from: www.brandjazz.typepad.com

The Mayfly looks completely realistic accept for the human characteristics in its acting. Would be nice to achieve that level of production value but if I can finish this year with a reasonable understanding of the basics of Maya, Ill be happy. If going into the third year I can build a creature or prop, texture it, ad some lighting and camera moves, Ill at least have something to build on next year. The CG stuff hasn't come to naturally to me (as my tutor will testify! lol). Maya's infinite drop down menus, ahhhhh!, but I will persevere!.