Area lights

[chuzzlewit]

Quick question - do area lights throw light in both directions of the plane. If so is there a way to make them throw light in a single plane only. Thanks

[allaboutkeys]

They do. Here's an excerpt from the manual:

"Now, if you could turn a four-point double-sided polygon into a light, you’d have an Area light. Light is sent out equally in all directions, except along the edges. "

To avoid this you could try to cover one side of the area light with a poly of the same size.

[Matt]

Yes they do, and as far as I know there is no way to 'switch off' one side within LightWave.

You could try placing a four sided polygon right behind the area light, match its size exactly, then set its render properties to 'Unseen by Camera'.

Sort of works!

[Matt]

argh! post while posting! :)

well at least we said the same thing!!!

[chuzzlewit]

thanks both - I have actually got the manual at home but I'm at work at the mo.