3D Space
3D space, the virtual canvas in which you create 3D objects, is a simulation of space that is
divided into three axes, X,Y, and Z, representing (in loose terms) left/right, up/down, and
in/out. Figure 1.1 shows 3D space in a Max window.
So what the heck do you with 3D space? In many ways, setting up a scene in CG is like
setting up a photo shoot. With a photo shoot, you gather your subjects and pose them in
your composition. You set up lights to illuminate them as dramatically or naturally as you
need them to look and then take pictures with your camera, framing the composition as
you like it. Next, you develop and fine-tune your photos or adjust them with tools such as
Photoshop before you print them. Finally comes the happy part of showing them off and
sharing your work with others.
Computer graphics production has much the same workflow, although with CG you
create nearly everything from scratch in your 3D space. Instead of running out and hunting
down the perfect models and all the props and settings you need for a photo, you create
them. You model everything first and then apply colors and texture to the surfaces you
created. Once you lay out your scene with all the settings and props you need, you set up
your CG lights to illuminate the models.
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