Technology will only get you so far

All the technology in the world will not help you achieve photoreal imagery if you don’t follow some basic principles. And whilst 3D software has made huge strides in the realm of photorealism, it will at best only get you eighty percent there. The remaining twenty percent is the difference between an image that looks “kinda” real, and one that truly convinces.

For the creator and consumer

If you’re a creator of 3D imagery, you know that many aspects of a scene need to come together to create a truly photoreal image.

It becomes a little harder if you’ve commissioned 3D work, and you feel it’s just not hitting the mark. What is it that isn’t working? Trying to pinpoint the problems can be frustrating and time-consuming. This list is aimed at both the creator and consumer of 3D imagery. Use it as a guide as you evaluate your work, and in doing so you’ll avoid some common mistakes.

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The good news is that increasing your quality levels come down to some simple observations. Following these basic rules will go a long way in helping you achieve jaw-dropping results.

1. Let’s talk about sharp edges

Computers are great at perfection. The real world is imperfect.

This is especially true when it comes to the edges of objects. Make a cube in any 3D package and it will be mathematically perfect. Every surface will be exactly at a ninety-degree angle. All the edges match perfectly.

Perfect sharp edges are often unrealistic and unappealing to look at

Real-world objects are not mathematically perfect. It’s physically impossible for two surfaces to meet at perfect right angles and remain completely sharp. If you look at the meeting of any planes, there is rounding, damage, and unevenness where they meet.