3D rendering and photography deliver a dynamic impact on the architectural project with their stunning visuals but their are some 3D rendering vs photography differences. To take your business up a notch, you need a medium to communicate your vision to the stakeholders and make them understand too. The more interactively, engagingly and clearly ideas are shared, more effective it turns out to be. But, are 3D rendering and photography – the same thing? Which is the best option amongst the two? Which is cheaper? Photography or Rendering service? When one should use photography and in which scenario 3D rendering works? Keep reading to unfold answers to all your major concerns and queries regarding 3d rendering and photography. Let’s explore architectural 3d rendering vs photography differences.
Photography – Photography is a versatile form of stand-alone artwork that helps you showcase your already built building/property in the best possible way using a digital camera or similar device. Photographs give the clients and other stakeholders exact representation of the architect’s vision and builder’s objective from the already built structure. Photographs facilitate clear and concise communication through visual works. Indeed, it’s a budget-friendly way to produce marketing materials that can be used on advertisements, content and even serve as the foundation for the artwork. Photographs are still considered as one of the most authentic and trustable by the customers as they are clicked for the project that exists.
3D Rendering – 3D architectural rendering is a process of generating a 3D/2D image of the proposed design of the project before it is actually built. Renders are like hyper-realistic photographs that are prepared using top-notch and highly-advanced software that deliver truly inspiring and engaging designs. These 3D visualization materials are highly detailed, impactful and precise, covering every single inch of the space with accuracy that helps in early detection of any problems/flaws that may arise during construction. This ultimately reduces the overall cost, saves resources and helps in timely completion of the project.
Is 3D Rendering and photography same?
The simple answer is No, 3D rendering and photography are not the same. Indeed, the aim of both architectural rendering and architectural photography stands the same i.e. communicating the vision to the clients and enable best marketing turnovers. Both may seem similar at first glance as the modern-day renders are equally realistic as the photographs that even a professionally trained eye may fail to spot a difference. But, it’s the method of generation and purpose that makes them distinct from each other. Let’s check the differences in detail.
Architectural 3D Rendering Vs Photography
Here are some of the key differences between 3d rendering and photography. Here is architectural 3D rendering vs photography differences.
| 3D architectural Rendering | Photography | |
| When it is used? | 3D renders generate photorealistic images of the proposed project before the construction kicks off or the project is in development stages. | Photography is done on the completed and finished project. |
| Output File | Renders are photo-realistic images and are completely digitally generated that depict the project’s design in detail. | These are HD photographs that are clicked using a camera or any other similar device. They may or may not need any software. |
| Method | It’s a CGI (Computer Generated Imagery). Completely digital environment. | Photographs are clicked using high-resolution professional cameras or similar devices. |
| Revision | You can easily add or modify the existing elements. It offers unlimited revisions. The angle, lighting, textures, materials and much more can be changed as per the requirement. | Nothing can be changed once the photograph is finalized. |
| Time for completion | The renders are CGI. The time depends on a lot of factors such as software/hardware used, complexity of design, resolution demanded etc. | Though clicking a photograph is done in blink of an eye, multiple photoshoots may be required for the final portfolio as you need to set the right angle, lighting etc. That may take from few hours to days. |
| Close to Reality | The renders are purely vision based and are designed as per the ideas shared by the designer. | The photographs enable you to capture authentic versions for space, seasons, lighting, materials etc. |
| Lighting and other environment factors | Everything can be simulated in the digital world. | The photographs can be clicked only in the real environment only. |
| Best used | In the pre-development stages of the project. Make the presentations remarkable. Marketing can be started even before the foundation stone gets laid. | When the project is completed and structure is ready. |
| Precision | Highly precise visualization can be achieved using 3D rendering which is impossible to create using photography. | The precision and quality depends on the resolution of the camera. |
| High-rise buildings | Flythrough animations and renders for high-rise buildings can easily be generated using software that enable rendering from a bird’s eye. | For photography of high-rise buildings, the photographers need high resolution drone cameras or need to click pictures from an aircraft. |
| Cost | The cost of renders depends on many factors such as complexity of design, resolution, angles covered, number of renders, hardware and software etc. | Going for photoshoot also involves a considerable amount of money to spend on the setting the camera, proper lighting, lenses etc and other photoshoot requirements |
Bottom Line
So, from the above-mentioned points of “3D rendering vs photography”, it becomes clear that photography and 3D rendering are not the same though their aim stands same. To make your presentations engaging, to boost your marketing endeavours and to give life to your envisioned design, you need a professional and reliable 3D rendering team that listens to you. Look no further than Renderspoint -a leading and most reliable 3D rendering company that offers impeccable 3D architectural rendering services in record turnaround time. Call us at 020 8146 5629 or drop a line at sayhello@renderspoint.com to get high-quality, professional and most practical 3D renders.
