Deconstructing the Elements with 3ds Max, 3rd Edition

       16 Ray of Dusty Light

Introduction

In this tutorial we’re going to create a sunbeam effect from an off-camera light source. Normally we’d resort to using simple volumetrics for this type of effect, but due to the sheer proximity of dust, one could see the individual particles. This being the case, we need some high Depth of Field effects; to accomplish this, we’ll unlock a mental ray shader and use it to create the Bokeh lens effect before rendering.

Analysis of Effect

(a) Bokeh effects are present in all photography; some are subtle while some are more prominent. A portrait with a blurred background, for example, will show this effect ...