When working in 3D HDRIs can be useful for lighting purposes. The exposure depth of those images enable the user to set a quick lit scene. Using the Image Based Lighting button in Maya for example, which is found right beneath the Physical Sun and Sky option. This option is only workable in mental ray, not in Maya Software or Hardware render options.
Then click on the folder icon and import the desired HDRI. Furthermore the attributes of the light can then be adjusted as desired.
