3D Renderings & Photography Differences | DesignBlendz

Choosing the right visuals can have a make or break impact on your architectural project. To get your project off the ground, you need other people to understand your vision. The more clearly and interactively you can showcase your ideas, the more effective it can be.

Photography and 3D renderings are two popular ways to do this — but which one is best? Let's explore.

Choosing the right option for your project

If you're debating between 3D rendering and photography, here are a few things to keep in mind:

Authenticity

If real photos are your highest priority, photographs capture reality in a way that most 3D renderings cannot. However, while 3D renderings might not take a snapshot of a real-world space, the images presented are impeccably realistic. Even a trained eye often cannot distinguish between real photos and 3D renderings.

Time

How much time do you have on your hands before presenting your project? If the answer is tight, 3D rendering will be your best friend. Designers and architects can use advanced technology to create renderings quickly, allowing for faster production time than a photography shoot and edit.

Furthermore, 3D renderings allow you to present captivating images at an earlier stage in the process. Unlike photography, which requires you to complete the building and interior design processes, 3D rendering can help spread your vision before you complete the finishing touches.

Flexibility

3D renderings allow you to retouch, change angles or make adjustments to your building at any point in the process. Photography, on the other hand, offers a limited scope to play around with. If you're anticipating making changes throughout the process, 3D renderings offer the ultimate customization options.

Benefits of 3D renderings and photography

With these considerations in mind, let’s look at some of the specific benefits of both 3D rendering and professional photography.

Photography

• Excellent finishing touch: If your building is complete, professional photography can be an excellent final step to capture the best angles and architecture.
• Offer varying looks: Your building might look very different in the morning light and at sunset. The view from one side of the room might set a different mood than any other angle. Photography gives you the flexibility to play around with different angles and times of day to showcase a space in all its glory.
• Authenticity: While 3D rendering photos can have the same quality as a professional photograph, some viewers might be more inclined to trust a photograph versus a digitally-created image.

3D renderings

• Boost marketing efforts: Because you can start to showcase images early in the process, renderings can help you communicate your ideas and raise interest in your project. You can also market your case while the project is still in development.
• Convenient revisions: 3D rendering technology allows you to meet deadlines, make quick changes, adjust your lighting or entirely revamp your decoration choices. You have control over your renderings and can easily pivot as needed.
• No limitations: Geography, lighting and construction don’t have to hinder you from creating beautiful, professional images to impress clients and team members. All you need is a vision and the right software to make a 3D render.
  
  

3D renderings vs. photography: Which one wins?

While photography has its place in the industry and can showcase a completed project, 3D rendering offers the utmost flexibility, efficiency and project impact. Its limitless scope and ability to incorporate changes and show a finished product at any point in the process make it an increasingly popular architectural tool.