Basically, photorealistic rendering aims to create renders that are as genuine and natural as a real photograph, with all the elements and details in place. Before immersing you in the discussion of how photorealistic rendering techniques work, let us learn in detail what photorealistic rendering is.
What is Photorealistic Rendering?
Photorealistic rendering is the process of creating lifelike architectural views that are as real as a photograph. These renders are created using advanced software and graphic imaging techniques. Today, photorealistic rendering techniques have become the most sought-after design technique in 3D architectural visualization. Its popularity is increasing as it offers a three-dimensional view of any property's interior, exterior or landscape. Basically, in this rendering technique, materials, dimensions, lighting and impressions of objects are portrayed in a realistic manner that is hard to tell apart from a photograph.Interestingly, these renders are a futuristic look of any property that is yet to be constructed. This helps viewers envision their future in the building. They interact with the overall layout, display, materials, furnishings, interior decor and finishes. Now the client here points out if they would like any changes in the designs or if they like the photo display as it is. The process here differs from traditional modelling that does not support making changes on the go. Here, multiple renders are presented before the client to make any modifications and finalize the one they like best. Learn more about 3D rendering technology and how it works.
Wondering what techniques are used to create these photorealistic renders? Here's how architects and designers work up the magic in 3Ds-Max or V-ray software to craft picturesque renders.
Types of Photorealistic Rendering Techniques and Uses
There are certain techniques that are applied when crafting photorealistic renders of any property. Here, the rendering process is quite simple, from creating 3D content, transforming it into a scenery, pulling some changes, and finally generating an image. However, many technicalities come in the way of rendering a photorealistic interior or exterior display. Below, we have carefully documented a list of techniques used to achieve realistic rendering.Add in Real-world and Mood Lighting
Do you wish to create an immersive experience for the viewers? If you wish the viewers to believe in the realism of unbelievable renders, use the correct lighting. If, for instance, you are working on an exterior image of the building, then make sure your daytime scene has a hint of sunlight coming from above. When the light falls in the right direction, it throws shadows off the building or object, which enhances the beauty of the scene.While in the case of indoor lighting, make sure the light falls on each piece of furniture, material, or object. Interestingly, indoor lighting is more accurate in setting the overall mood of the space. Like, for instance, you can use warm yellow lights, lamps, chandeliers or sunroofs to set the mood of the room apart from another. In addition, some artists prefer daylight entering the patio space to give off a refreshing mood. These elements speak realism into the overall scene.
Speak Imperfections into the Scene
If you keep focusing on perfection in the renders, the image will not be believable. You see, when you walk inside a room, it has impressions of human interaction all around. For instance, the pillow is placed somewhere in the middle of the bed, or the coffee mug is still sitting on the side table. These kinds of effects add genuineness to the scene. In other words, speaking imperfections into the scene helps clients relate to the render. It is hard for them to believe that the renders are only computer generated.Sometimes realism is added to the scene using different materials, textures or colours. For example, if you are displaying grass in an outdoor environment, make sure the grass's colour, texture and depiction are realistic. Like, the grass is thick green in the middle and defaced around the pathways.
Use a Realistic Camera Angle
Another important photorealistic rendering technique is the use of realistic camera angles. You need to keep the camera angle within the physical reach of the viewers. Generally, people do not view the scene from higher than 2 meters from the ground. So, keeping that in mind, you need to keep the camera angle within 50-170cm above the ground. This way, you do not give the viewers an inconceivable ariel view angle but rather offer an imaginable scene.When setting up the camera in an indoor scene, make sure it gives a wide-angle view. Since the renders appear on widescreen, it is better that your camera angle offers a direct view. Also, ensure the viewers can zoom in and out to observe the space from multiple angles. At present, 360 panoramic renderings are greatly preferred as they offer a complete view in one glance.
Incorporate Natural Atmosphere
Another important technique used to create realistic renders is incorporating the natural atmosphere. For example, if you display an exterior of the house, adding a little fog to the scene create a real illusion. Similarly, if the sun's rays enter the kitchen and brighten it up, this also speaks about the natural atmosphere of the space. Today, artists work closely on rendered materials, textures and effects to create as much sense of realism as possible. For instance, atmospheric elements are enhanced by displaying weather conditions within the scene. Like, you can add rainy weather, sunny day, or cloudy background to the atmosphere.Incorporating natural atmosphere into the architectural renders has paid off well for the realtors. After all, the aim here is to help clients envision their life in the scene, and real-life atmospheric elements successfully help achieve that.
Pay Great Attention to Details
Basically, photorealistic renders are perfected by paying great attention to the details. The artists focus on adding materials and elements that bring more realism to the scene. If, for instance, you have put curtains down the window, then make sure you work on the fall, fabric, texture, and foldings. These details speak for themselves. Likewise, adding extra objects within the interior scene also helps you win loyal customers. For instance, putting pants on the kitchen shelf, placing a TV remote at the coffee table, a shoe rack by the main door, a pet house in the backyard, rugs at each doorstep, and more.There's no end to the details you can put in the architectural renders. So, use all the effective photorealistic rendering techniques when crafting your next architectural project. Also, check out the current trends in architectural design.
How Does Photorealistic Rendering Benefit Architectural Industry?
Photorealistic rendering is greatly benefiting the architectural industry. This has altogether changed the course of 3D architectural visualization and animation. When it comes to presenting a project to the world, black-and-white sketches or 2D models fail to communicate the idea. But with photorealistic visualization, it is much easier to present a complete picture with three dimensions and every angle. Clients may be residing overseas but can totally witness their dream house or commercial plaza being visualized photo-realistically. Since the rendersare easy to share online, real estate developers and marketers effectively market their residential, commercial or industrial projects online.
Here's how photorealistic rendering techniques work for us
- Improved Design Communication among clients, stakeholders, & other parties
- Effective for global property marketing, advertising and sales
- Quick Property Sales with highly realistic photographic renders
- Saves precious time and resources that otherwise go into the visualization process
- Highly flexible when it comes to making real-time changes, adjustments or modifications in the design
Final Thoughts
Photorealism is in high demand among realtors around the world. Architects are striving to improve their 3D architectural visualization and rendering capabilities to keep up with current trends in the market. ArchXStudio takes this opportunity to introduce its photorealistic 3D rendering services to the world. Check out the portfolio and explore your options for photorealistic rendering. Our expert architects help visualize your residential, commercial, hospitality and industrial projects to picture-perfect renders.Author | Mubashrah Rahim