[Figure 6-21] Camera Dots

Using the Camera Dots
If you want to temporarily remember a specific camera setting for use during the current session, you can use the Camera Dots to place the current camera settings. The Camera Dots are one of the options in the Memory Dots palette, which is opened using the Window, Memory Dots menu. To remember camera settings, select the Camera Dots option from the pop-up menu at the top of the Memory Dots control, as shown in Figure 6-21, or select the Edit, Memorize, Camera menu. Clicking a dot once adds the current camera to the selected dot where you can recall it at any time by clicking the dot that holds the camera settings. Holding down the Alt [Option] key while clicking a Camera Dot clears the dot.

Poser allows a unique set of Camera Dots for every room.

Point a Camera at the Foot
1.       Open Poser with the default mannequin visible.

2.       Select the Main Camera item from the Actor List at the top of the Document Window.

3.       With the Main Camera item selected, choose Object, Point At.

[Figure 6-22] Pointing main camera

The Point At dialog box opens.

4.       Select the Right Foot element in the Point At dialog box and click OK.

5.       Select and move the camera about the Document Window.

Notice how the camera stays focused on the foot element as it is moved about the scene, as shown in Figure 6-22.

6.   Select File, Save As and save the file as Pointing camera.pz3.

Attach a Camera
1.       Open Poser with the default figure visible.

2.       From the Actor List at the top of the Document Window, select the Cameras, Main Camera option.

3.       With the Main Camera item selected, choose Object, Change Parent.

The Object Parent dialog box opens.

4.       Select the Left Hand element in the Change Parent dialog box and click OK.

5.       Select and rotate the left arm in the Document Window.

[Figure 6-23] Attached camera

Notice how the camera changes as the left hand moves, as shown in Figure 6-23.

6.   Select File, Save As and save the file as Attached camera.pz3.

Change The Background
Adding a background image or movie can often help you as you pose a figure. Imagine loading the movie of a dancer as a background. You could then animate the dance steps by matching the figure to the background movie. You can also render background images to add a nice backdrop to your scene.

Changing the Background Color
Changing the background color is accomplished easily using the color dots found at the bottom of the Document Window. There are color dots for changing the Foreground, Background, Shadow, and Ground colors. Clicking any of these dots opens a pop-up color palette where you can select a new color. You can also use the Display, Background Color, and Foreground Color menu options to change these colors. Both these menus open a color selector where you can choose a color.