2D Wake in front of 3D boat.

[Darby Edelen]

In general when working with this sort of effect I’d say… Particles AND a displacement map =)

The wake coming off the bow of a boat is essentially made up of particles, so that’s a good starting place. Get the particles moving correctly then consider using them to drive an adjustment layer with a subtle displacement map and a levels effect (to make the ‘water’ bluish white).

Getting this effect to match up to the moving boat might be difficult, but if you have Particular you can animate the emitter easily if you use a light.

Darby Edelen
DVD Menu Artist
Left Coast Digital
Aptos, CA

[Anthony Dupsta]

Why is it easier with the light emitter? I do use particular and use the light emitter. I have also just used 3d position data from a null or small solid. I am not disputing I am just wonder how it is easier?
Thanks for the advice.
I will try a side by side and maybe I will see.

[Darby Edelen]

[dupsta] “Why is it easier with the light emitter? I do use particular and use the light emitter. I have also just used 3d position data from a null or small solid.”

The light gives you a convenient place to control your position, color, and spread (in the case of spotlights) data outside of the somewhat cludgy Particular controls.

If you’re comfortable working with the X and Y positions separate from the Z position then I suppose it doesn’t offer you much of a benefit, but I find the light is a more natural to envision an emitter. Lights themselves can be thought of photon emitters, it just makes sense to me =)

Also you can have multiple emitting lights related to one instance of particular.

Darby Edelen
DVD Menu Artist
Left Coast Digital
Aptos, CA