Architectural development companies know all too well that the secret to attracting more prospective clients is using visually convincing, compelling, and striking marketing materials. Two critical assets can help you achieve just that: photography and 3D rendering. While it can be tempting to just use either of these two on their own, integrating 3D rendering services with photography can work like magic in bringing your projects to a whole new level.
What is 3D rendering in architecture?
3D rendering services for architecture involve using computer software to create realistic images of architectural designs. This state-of-the-art technology allows designers and architects to develop 3D models of designs and incorporate lighting, textures, and other details to build the project’s photorealistic image. The images that result from the process can then be used for project promotion, approval acquisition, and design presentation to clients.
RELATED: What is architectural visualization and why architectural rendering services use it
What is photography in architecture?
Architecture in photography entails using a camera to capture images of finished structures and completed buildings. The photos are used for promotional, advertising, and marketing purposes. Experts specializing in architectural photography use techniques and equipment to capture the building’s overall essence in the best way possible. Some specialized equipment that professional photographers use to capture these images include large-format cameras, tilt-shift lenses, and drones.
Strengths and weaknesses of 3D rendering in architecture
The 3D rendering technology allows architectural development companies to develop and showcase the virtual models of their properties to prospective buyers. These are highly detailed virtual models that offer a realistic representation of a property. 3D architectural visualization companies changed how real estate marketing and sales are carried out, but it could be better. Here are some of the strengths and weaknesses of 3D rendering that might convince you to combine it with photography for better results:
RELATED: Where and when to find freelance architecture visualization services and designers
* Strengths
Accuracy
3D rendering technology can accurately portray the final product and give a clear glimpse of the result.
Cost-effective
Believe it or not, 3D rendering is more affordable than physical models, and you can even make the necessary changes without incurring additional costs. 3D rendering is also cheaper than architectural photography, allowing you to showcase your project before completion.
Customization
It’s easy to make changes and adjustments to the design and view it under various lighting conditions that can help you when it’s time to present your projects to the clients. With this technology, you can customize textures, lighting, and other elements.
RELATED: Why hire an architectural design service?
Flexibility
One of the biggest strengths of 3D rendering in architecture is the fact that it is highly customizable. It allows for design flexibility as you can quickly and easily make changes whenever and wherever necessary.
* Weaknesses
Expertise
The 3D rendering technology that 3D rendering experts use calls for specialized knowledge and software that can be time-consuming and expensive.
Time-consuming
The process can use up most of your time, especially if you need to develop highly detailed models of your project. The time required for completion can increase further depending on the level of detail necessary.
Unfamiliarity
Other clients might need help to visualize the finished project by just looking at 3D renderings alone.
Strengths and weaknesses of photography in architecture
Photography allows architectural development companies to use visually appealing and enticing images to showcase their properties. Real estate marketing and sales will only be completed by using architectural photography. But just like 3D visualizer services, it also has its own set of flaws, making it necessary to combine it with another technology to achieve better results.
RELATED: What are the different types of 3D rendering services?
* Strengths
Familiarity
Most clients are familiar with photographic representations of structures and buildings.
Flexibility
It’s possible to edit and adjust photographs to improve the finished product.
Realistic
Photography in architecture can capture how the finished project looks and feels in real life. It can also capture how the buildings and light interact, creating a distinct visual effect. Architectural photography can also improve the credibility of the company and the property listed for sale. Top-of-the-line images exude a polished and professional look that can boost the reputation of the architectural development company and the property’s perceived value.
Time-efficient
It’s quick and easy to capture photographs without specialized equipment or software.
Weaknesses
Expensive
It can be costly to use professional photography for architecture.
Limited flexibility
Since photographs are merely static representations, you cannot easily adjust or modify them. In addition, you’re also limited to the building’s current state, and you might be unable to capture adjustments you wish to make or add to the design.
RELATED: How 3D rendering has revolutionized interior design
Dependent on weather
Outdoor photography relies greatly on weather conditions, which can significantly affect the finished product. Cloudy days, for example, often result in lighting conditions that could be better.
How to integrate 3D rendering with photography
Here are some helpful tips on how to harness the full power and potential of combining 3D rendering and photography for your upcoming architectural development projects:
1. Use CGI as a backup for unlimited stellar visuals
Keeping your website’s social media account or gallery regularly updated and visually appealing can be challenging. Posting architectural sketches or drawings will only capture the interest of fellow professionals. This might make you opt for professional images of the finished structures. But since it takes time to complete construction projects, you might have no photos to show. This is where a 3D construction rendering firm can help.
The good news is that you can quickly solve this issue with CGI. 3D rendering can give you a constant flow of enticing visuals for your project’s promotion during its early stages. These can be exterior and interior visualizations of future properties in different seasons and lighting at winning angles. You can then use 3D renders to showcase the anticipated results of your ongoing projects and stick with photos to showcase your finished ones. With the combination of photography and 3D rendering, you can guarantee that you always have sufficient enticing imagery to post.
RELATED: 3D rendering & architectural visualization industry software and service growth at firms
2. Showcase winning before and after image renovation projects
It’s common for property owners to be picky when looking for a contractor to renovate their property. They like to be entirely sure of the ability of the architect to revive and modernize the house and make it more comfortable and beautiful than ever before. This is where integrating 3D commercial rendering services with photography can be a great combination to exude your restoration and reconstruction skills.
With the help of CHI, you can easily prove your credibility as an expert professional. You no longer need to wait until the construction works end to present the actual before and after photos. Instead, you can post the building’s image in its present state with 3D visualizations of how it will look in the future. How carefully made architectural rendering can help you convince prospective clients that their property will look much better after using your design for its renovation.
RELATED: How photorealistic 3D rendering design saves companies money
3. Take advantage of the photo-matching technique
Integrating 3D rendering with photography comes in handy not only for marketing purposes. Do you want to lower the costs of your project’s 3D visuals, speed up the process, and ensure the location is perfectly depicted? CGI provides an elegant solution in the form of photo-matching. It is a method that uses Photoshop to combine the CG visualization of the anticipated building into a shot of the current location.
You can make the work of a 3D artist less expensive and time-consuming if you provide them with a high-quality photo of the site for photo-matching. Through this technique, they need to develop the building’s rendering itself. There’s no need for them to build the whole surroundings in 3D. You will receive your project’s photorealistic visual with the weather, lighting, and camera angle from the original photo. This photo can then be used as an effective material to market the pre-sale of the property.
RELATED: How to create a virtual tour of homes with 3D rendering services
4. Combine site photos with future renders
Consistent posting is critical if you have a social media business account. It’s also essential to make sure that you can keep your followers interested in your content. You can breathe life into your social media account using construction photography and the services of a 3D architectural visualization expert. Hooking your audience to the visual story you wish to tell and making them wait and crave for more is possible if you show them how a 3D design transforms into an actual building.
To achieve this, you must first post your project’s realistic 3D rendering and show photos of the construction as it progresses. Doing so will allow your followers to glimpse how the unfinished building on the site turns into an amazing building that was first revealed in the 3D render. This beautiful transformation will surely increase the number of your followers, some of whom might even turn into your clients sooner or later.
RELATED: The different types of CG visuals a 3D rendering service can make
How Cad Crowd can help
Cad Crowd is a platform where you can find 3D rendering experts who can integrate photography with it for the most captivating architectural development projects. Contact us for a free quote.