Houdini Resources

Updated on Sept 1  2022


copyright © Deborah R. Fowler


Deborah R. Fowler



Houdini Lighting - Mantra

Light Types - Mantra

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Light Types

Houdini offers light types very similar to other 3D packages.

TIP: I use distant lights for setup as they are quick and less expensive. Sun is a distant light with a soft shadow. When I have direction and intensity determined I switch to Sun.


Attentuation

Default

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Default Attenuation is "Physically Correct" fall off.

Although this is good in theory, in practice the scale of your scene may not be physically correct or in CG you just have good reason to want full control over the fall off.

Artist Ramp Attenuation using Ramp control (for all but Distant/Sun)

MISSING IMAGE Ramp Control - Houdini offers an artist control for fall off of a light.

This is one of the features I often use.

Select “No Attenuation”

Ramp End Distance determines where the light stops

 (for efficiency set Active Radius linked to this parameter)

You now have a ramp that controls the fall off of your light intensity and can adjust the end distance to determine where your light illuminates.

Sweet!