Blender Light Beam: Understanding Sun-Style Lighting in 3D Modeling

When it comes to creating realistic shading in 3D modeling using Blender, one important aspect is lighting. In this article, we will delve into the concept of sun-style lighting and how it can be achieved using Blender's light beam feature.

Sun-Style Lighting vs. Lightbulb Lighting

In reality, a lightbulb near you casts light rays in all directions. However, when creating shaded relief, we want to simulate the Sun, which is far enough away that the light rays reaching Earth are practically parallel. This is where Blender's sun-style lighting feature comes into play.

To achieve this effect, go to the Lamp set of options under the Object Data Properties and select the Sun option. This will tell Blender to simulate a Sun-style light source, resulting in light rays all coming from the same direction.

Visual Representation

Notice that when you choose the Sun option, the light beam appears differently in the 3D view, with spikes or lines radiating outward. This visual representation is designed to remind us that we have chosen a sun-style light source, which is different from a traditional lightbulb.

Types of Lighting Options

Under the Lamp set of options, you will find various lighting types, including Point, Sun, Spot, and more. These options allow you to specify certain properties about your light source, such as its color, type, and position.

Selecting the Existing Light Source

By default, Blender scenes come with a pre-existing light source, represented by dashed-line circles with a dot in the middle. To edit this light source, select it in the 3D Viewport or Outliner, and then click on the green lightbulb icon to access its Object Data Properties.

In conclusion, Blender's sun-style lighting feature is an essential tool for creating realistic shading in 3D modeling. By understanding how to use this feature, you can achieve a more authentic representation of natural light and enhance the overall visual quality of your scenes.

Blender light beam