In this series of lessons we will be taking an introductory look at many of the rendering features found in V-Ray for Maya.

Using the V-Ray rendering engine, we can create highly realistic renders inside of Maya, but understanding how to properly use the rendering features of V-Ray is of critical importance. In these lessons we will explore many tools and concepts of V-Ray such as the various methods for simulating global illumination and understanding when each of these methods should be used. We will also look at the specialized V-Ray lights and how to properly use these lights in order to achieve a high degree of realism. We will also learn how to utilize the V-Ray Sun and Sky to create realistic outdoor lighting, we will learn how to utilize some of the specialized V-Ray materials, how to render our images into multiple passes, and exploring many additional rendering features found in V-Ray.

1. Introduction and project overview

2. Understanding the V-Ray Image Sampler

3. Working with V-Ray lights in Maya

4. Exploring additional V-Ray light attributes

5. Using the V-Ray IES light in Maya

6. Using Maya geometry as a V-Ray light source

7. Overview of the VRayMtl in Maya

8. Refraction attributes of the VRayMt in Maya

9. Getting started with indirect illumination in V-Ray

10. Utilizing Photon Maps in V-Ray

11. Exploring Irradiance Maps in V-Ray

12. Understanding Light Cache in V-Ray

13. Saving and re-using indirect illumination data from V-Ray

14. Creating detailed V-Ray caustic patterns in Maya

15. Using the V-Ray 2-sided material in Maya

16. Working with V-Ray material overrides in Maya

17. Adding V-Ray attributes to Maya cameras

18. Using the V-Ray Sun and Sky features in Maya

19. V-Ray color mapping features in Maya

20. Creating image-based lighting with V-Ray for Maya

21. Rendering smooth geometry with V-Ray for Maya

22. Rendering V-Ray displacements in Maya

23. Using V-Ray Render Elements in Maya