E-duality Continuous Lighting & Studio Equipment

What is the best 3D software to learn on Mac OS X? Maya? 3D Studio?

I am already working as a designer and am familiar with Adobe Creative Suite. Would love to find something that doesnt have a steep learning curve. For now I just want to learn how to do modeling, rendering, lighting & shading. I’ll leave animation for another time. Most of my use would be for web design, packaging, product visualization etc.

Maya

Studio Lighting in Autodesk Maya 2009 – Part 2

Introducing Maya 2009 $14.49 If you’re new to Maya, the industry-leading 3D animation and effects software, <i>Introducing Maya</i> includes step-by-step tutorials and easy-to-follow explanations to teach you the basics and nuances of this complex software. Whether you’re a student or a hobbyist, you can learn all about the Maya interface and the fundamentals of modeling, texturing, animating and visual effects with realistic examples. If you’re new to 3D animation or transitioning from another 3D application, this book will provide you with the tools you need to become proficient at Maya.<p><b>Note:</b> CD-ROM/DVD and other supplementary materials are not included as part of eBook file.1. Introduction to Computer Graphics and 3D.<p>2. Jumping In Headfirst, With Both Feet.<p>3. The Maya 2009 Interface.<p>4. Beginning Polygonal Modeling.<p>5. Modeling With Nurbs, Subdivisions, and Deformers.<p>6. Building the Red Wagon.<p>7. Maya Shading and Texturing.<p>8. Introduction to Animation.<p>9. More Animation!<p>10. Maya Lighting.<p>11. Maya Rendering.<p>12. Maya Dynamics.<b>Dariush Derakhshani</b> is a Creative Director and Head of CG for RadiumReelFX - Santa Monica, a creative and design studio with offices in Dallas, Texas; San Francisco; and Santa Monica, California. Dariush has been working in CG for over twelve years and teaching classes in CG and effects production for close to ten. He is the best-selling author of a handful of books, including the popular Introducing Maya series. Dariush started using CAD software in his architecture days, then migrated to using 3D programs when his firm’s principal architects needed to show their clients design work on the computer. Starting with Alias PowerAnimator version 6, which he encountered when he enrolled in the University of Southern California Film School’s Animation program, Dariush has been@,úáG®{ÿ¾Úx

Maya Studio Projects: Dynamics $25.28 <p>The only hands-on book devoted to mastering Maya's dynamics tools for water, wind, and fire</p><p>In the world of animation, the ability to create realistic water, wind, and fire effects is key. Autodesk Maya software includes powerful dynamics tools that have been used to design breathtaking effects for movies, games, commercials, and short films. This professional guide teaches you the primary techniques you need to make the most of Maya's toolkit, so you'll soon be creating water that ripples, gusting winds and gentle breezes, and flickering fires the way Hollywood pros do.<p>The one-of-a-kind book is completely project-based. Learn the intricacies of Maya's Dynamics tools and continue to build your skills with projects that increase in complexity. A DVD is included with additional video training.<ul><li>Maya is the industry-leading 3D animation and effects software; Maya dynamics tools create water and other fluids, wind, fire, fur, particles, and more</li><li>Build professional skills in Maya Dynamics with this project-based guide</li><li>Put your skills to work by completing a series of projects on water, wind, and fire effects</li><li>A DVD included with the book provides additional video training</li></ul><p><i>Maya Studio Projects: Dynamics</i> is one of a new series of books designed to teach animators and designers fresh skills through project-based instruction.1 Particles.<p>2 Fluids.<p>3 Breaking Ground.<p>4 Volcanic Activity.<p>5 Tornadoes.<p>6 Playing with Fire.<p>7 Explosions.<p>8 The Flood.<p>About the Author</p><p>Todd Palamar began his career creating traditional special effects for low-budget horror movies and quickly gravitated to computer animation. After working on numerous straight-to-video movies, he switched gears and entered the video game industry. Todd has extensive freelance@9G®záHÿ¾Úx

Advanced Maya Texturing and Lighting $31.23 Turn the Spotlight on Your Creations with Tips from a PropLearn the secrets of professional animators and achieve amazing results with the detailed instruction you'll find in this new edition of Advanced Maya Texturing and Lighting. Written by industry veteran Lee Lanier, whose texturing and lighting has been featured in such films as Mortal Kombat, Antz, and Shrek, this in-depth book focuses on advanced techniques used in real-world production environments.pYou'll find extensive and updated coverage of custom shading networks, particle texturing, pelt mapping, Global Illumination, Final Gather, HDR lighting, mental ray shaders, normal mapping, and multipass rendering. You'll also explore the latest texturing and lighting theories and trends in the animation industry--information to help you improve your skills, no matter what software you use.pThe enclosed CD features exclusive content, including textures, custom shading networks, movies, and scene files for chapter tutorials and many of the illustrations in the book. All included scene files are saved in the Maya 8.5 .ma format and have been tested with Maya 8.5 and Maya 2008. You'll also find a bonus chapter with advanced lessons.If you already understand the basics of Maya, the industry-leading 3D animation and effects software, you'll be ready to move on to the sophisticated topics in this updated edition of Advanced Maya Texturing and Lighting. Detailed, easy-to-follow instructions will teach you the real-world production secrets that professional animators use to achieve amazing results. In the second edition, you will find extensive and updated coverage of the latest theories and trends in addition to an enclosed CD with exclusive content to help you sharpen your skills.

Advanced Maya Texturing and Lighting $9.99 <ul><li>Written by an industry veteran who has used Maya in such films as Mortal Kombat and Shrek, this full-color book offers advanced, professional-level techniques for texturing and lighting for rendering 3D models in Maya<li>Begins with an introduction of various lighting concepts, then offers readers detailed explanations of Maya's numerous hidden features so they can achieve amazing results quickly<li>Features an unparalleled exploration of Maya's Hypershade, where animators create connections between shaders, texture maps, lights, cameras, and geometry<li>Provides a thorough look at rendering in Maya, including everything from batch rendering to global illumination workflow and HDRI techniques<li>The CD-ROM includes the Maya Personal Learning Edition, textures, tools, professional shaders, and more</ul><b>Introduction.</b><p><b>Chapter 1: Applying the Correct Maya Light Type.</b><p>Selecting Light Types.<p>Linking Lights.<p>Using Light Fog and Light Glow.<p>Chapter Tutorial: Lighting an Interior.<p><b>Chapter 2: Creating High-Quality Shadows.</b><p>Rendering Depth Maps.<p>Raytracing Shadows.<p>Creating Effects Shadows.<p>Chapter Tutorial: Lighting a Flickering Fire Pit with Shadows.<p><b>Chapter 3: Applying the Correct Material and 2D Texture.</b><p>Reviewing Shading Models and Materials.<p>Reviewing 2D Textures.<p>Mastering Extra Map Options.<p>Stacking Textures.<p>Mastering the Blinn Material.<p>with Basic Texturing Techniques.<p><b>Chapter 4: Applying 3D Textures and Projections.</b><p>Exploring 3D Textures.<p>Applying Environment Textures.<p>2D Texture Projection Options.<p>Chapter Tutorial: Creating Skin with Procedural Textures.<p><b>Chapter 5: Creating Custom Connections and Color Utilities.</b><p>M@#úáG®{ÿ¾Úx

Maya at a Glance $2.95 <b>Your Visual Guide to Maya</b><p>One look and you'll see this Maya book is different from all the others. It presents core Maya features visually, using pages that are packed with beautiful graphics and loaded with detailed explanations on every crucial feature of Maya's interface. Engaging step-by-step tutorials provide hands-on reinforcement for what you've learned.Maya at a Glance is the perfect introduction and reference to the Academy Award(r) winning Maya 3D animation and effects software.Introduction.<p>Chapter 1: Introduction to Maya.<p>Chapter 2: NURBS Modeling.<p>Chapter 3: Polygonal Modeling.<p>Chapter 4: Creating Textures.<p>Chapter 5: Lighting.<p>Chapter 6: Rendering.<p>Chapter 7: Paint Effects.<p>Chapter 8: Deformations and Rigging.<p>Chapter 9: Animation.<p>Chapter 10: Special Effects.<p>Tutorial: Creating Rocket Exhaust.<p>Index.<b>George Maestri</b> is an industry veteran and founder of Rubberbug Studios. His clients have included CBS, Fox, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon, and he has worked on such shows as South Park, Rocko's Modern Life, and Karen and Kirby. A noted author of five books and numerous articles, his Digital Character Animation book is an industry standard.<div align=center><b>Your Visual Guide to Maya</b></div><p>One look and you'll see this Maya book is different from all the others. It presents core Maya features visually, using pages that are packed with beautiful graphics and loaded with detailed explanations on every crucial feature of Maya's interface. Engaging step-by-step tutorials provide hands-on reinforcement for what you've learned.<i>Maya at a Glance</i> is the perfect introduction and reference to the Academy Award® winning Maya 3D animation and effects software.