Creating photorealistic 3D renders can be a challenging task, but with the right techniques and tools, it is possible to produce stunning results. Vector Concepts, a freelance CGI studio specializing in photorealistic interior CGIs, shares some tips to help you create your own photorealistic 3D renders.

Choose the Right Software

The first step in creating photorealistic 3D renders is choosing the right software for both modeling and rendering. Modeling software includes Sketchup, Blender, 3DS Max each with their own advantages and learning curves. There are also many different 3D rendering software options available, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. Some popular choices include V-Ray, Blender (which has it’s own built in rendering platform), and Corona. It is important to choose a software that is compatible with your computer and has the features you need to create the level of realism you desire. I personally use a combination of Sketchup & Vray for stills and Unreal for real-time rendering.

Understand Lighting and Materials

Lighting and materials are key elements in creating photorealistic 3D renders. Understanding how to use different lighting techniques and how to create materials that look realistic is essential to producing photorealistic images. One important aspect of lighting is to use different light sources to create shadows and highlights that add depth to the image. Additionally, it is important to use accurate textures and materials to make the objects in the scene look as realistic as possible.

One quick tip that made all the difference in my own renders is using the outside light source to produce 80% of the light within the scene, paired with warm artificial lights such as lamps or spots and then balanced in the rendering exposure settings. This alone 10x’d the look and feel of my own renders when I was learning.

Pay Attention to Details

Another important aspect of creating photorealistic 3D renders is paying attention to details. This includes things like adding small details such as dust and dirt, adding realistic reflections, and making sure that objects in the scene are proportionate and in the correct scale. These small details can make a big difference in the realism of the final image. Two things that really helped me in my own learning were understanding that everything reflects light, even if it’s a minute amount, and finding a decent set of dirt maps to apply over the textures, which really helped add the realism.

Test Render Settings

Testing different render settings is another important step in creating photorealistic 3D renders. This includes things like changing the resolution, the number of samples, and the number of lights in the scene. By testing different settings, you can find the combination that produces the best results for your scene.

Post-Production

Finally, post-production is an important step in creating photorealistic 3D renders. This includes things like colour correction, adding filters, and making adjustments to the overall image. By making these final adjustments, you can add the finishing touches to your photorealistic render and make it look as realistic as possible.