Digital Tutors - Rendering Underwater Caustics in Maya

In this series of lessons, we will discuss different methods for simulating the effect of caustic patterns created by moving water.

We will begin by exploring caustic photons in mental ray, and how they can realistically interact with a water surface to create refracted bands of light. From there, we will explore an alternative method for simulating caustics which is much more efficient, especially when working with large, open bodies of water.

1. Creating underwater caustics using mental ray
2. Creating underwater caustics without using mental ray