Orbitting spotlight?

SnapperTrx

I performed a search for an answer to this question, but the term 'spotlight' got too many hits, and adding 'orbit' didn't return any results.

Question:
I have a number of spotlights in a scene that I want to reposition around a figure. It would be very nice if they were to orbit around the figure, keeping it as the focal point, but they don't seem to act that way. I have tried changing the coordinates setting in the tools panel, but it has no effect. Am I missing something? Thanks for any info.

SnapperTrx

Richard Haseltine

Try selecting the light from the view list (at top-right of the viewport, probably says Camera 1 or Perspective View now), use ctrl-shift-a to aim it at the figure (cmd-shift-a on a Mac), and then use the view controls to position the light.

prixat

Alternatively, put a null object at the center of rotation and group the light (or multiple lights) under the null.
Rotate the null and the lights should follow.

Jaderail

Place a NULL at your Target for your Spot Lights Use Point AT to point all your Spot Lights at the NULL, this way they can be in different locations as you like, and then Parent them to the NULL. Now Rotate the NULL. The Spots lights rotate with the Null and point at the Null at all times, You can then edit the Spot lights Y axis and even have then go up and down in there aim as they go around. If you think about this a bit the NULL can be used this way to even have a Spot light Track a item as it moves and other cool effects. Two Nulls and light sets each rotating opposite directions, lights going up and down a item and other such effects become easy once this Idea is understood.