Introduction

Learning Resources > Tutorials > Getting Started with Maya > Scripting in Maya > Lesson 2: Saving scripts to the Shelf >

Introduction

In this lesson, you set up a three-point lighting system using MEL and save those MEL commands as a button on the Shelf. This lets you quickly set up a three-point lighting system in future scenes. You learn how to:

Enter MEL commands in place of selecting menu items
Create a shelf button to run a series of commands

Three-point lighting uses three different kinds of lights:

A main light to light the subject, cast shadows and produce highlights
A fill light to decrease the contrast caused by the main light
A rim light so the object stands out against the background

Three-point lighting is used extensively in film, photography and computer graphics.