Photorealistic

Photorealism is about believability rather than perfection. Real photographs have soft shadows, slight imperfections, materials that age and weather, reflections that pick up the surroundings and a camera with a real lens. Renders that look fake are often too clean: perfectly flat glass, uniform grass, sharp shadows everywhere and empty streets. In architecture, photorealistic images are the usual choice for client presentations, sales and marketing, because they let non-specialists imagine standing in front of the building.

Getting it right

• Light first. Most realism comes from a believable sun and sky; golden hour and overcast light are both forgiving.
• Keep verticals straight, as architectural photographers do, and use a sensible eye-level camera height for street views.
• Add wear and variation: slightly uneven paving, color shifts in brick, real planting.
• Use entourage in proportion. A few well-placed people and trees make a scene feel real.
• Do not let realism overstate certainty. A photoreal image at concept stage can make an open idea look decided.

In Rendair

The Realistic style aims for a photographic result, while other styles give drawn or painted looks for the same design. A style preset changes how an image looks without changing what is designed, so the same scheme can appear photoreal for a client and sketchy for an internal review.