You’ve likely seen a 3D-rendered photo or video either in a commercial, or a product catalog. However, you may not have realized that the realistic image you were viewing was created using digital technology.
3D rendering is a digital alternative to product photography.
It allows you to change textures and materials, product design details, get multiple lifestyle scenes or backdrops. It also can show the object from different points of view—all without producing a physical prototype.
A recent MSN article weighs in on use of the technology. “Before the pandemic, companies were already starting to realize that rendering a scene using 3D creation tools was faster and cheaper than a photo or video shoot in real life. Even pre-COVID, the vast majority of car commercials were rendered, not shot.
“But with the virus rampant in the US, getting dozens of people together for a photo shoot is simply unsafe. Yet the demand for visual assets is higher than ever — retailers can’t depend on shoppers seeing their goods in stores, so they need to create great representations for their websites.”
Enter the rise of 3D rendering. While the technology has been around for quite some time, it’s now being used to create dramatic time and cost efficiencies for product photo shoots for TV commercials, websites and online catalogs.
Here are a few examples of the efficiency of 3D rendering.
No need for product fabrication.
3D rendering can be used to change the color and texture of the product virtually for photo shoots that require product prototypes in multiple colors, and in a variety of finishes. This eliminates the need to source the product and/or shoot it multiple times. In some cases, the product is modeled and then rendered digitally without a physical product. Doing this can cut manufacturing time and expense.
Eliminates on-location shoots and props.
3D rendering can save budgets without plans for things such as decor, transportation or go to the expense for major production.
So, how does it work? The process begins with digital product modeling. 3D artists create the product or image digitally, in photo-real quality. 3D rendering converts the model into a high-resolution image that can be incorporated into a wide range of visual content. Because the assets are digital, everything is possible: static images and video, lifestyle and plain background shots, panoramas and 360° views—the sky is the limit.
It’s likely we’ll see more 3D-rendered images in marketing content as the technology becomes more mainstream. If you’re interested in learning more, read the full MSN article here.
