Before we delve into why 3D modeling can be a better alternative to traditional photography, let's obtain a basic understanding of what differentiates the two. While 3D modeling describes the process of creating a three-dimensional representation of an object or a scene using computer software, traditional photography is the art of capturing real images with a camera. Let us now look at how one is different from the other.

Photography vs 3D Modelling

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When we talk about 3D modeling vs photography, we have to look at what serves our interests better from a practical point of view rather than an emotional one. This will inevitably lead us to the conclusion that 3D modeling scores over traditional photography due to a host of factors.

For starters, 3D modeling offers more creative freedom and control than traditional photography. It allows one to create any object or scene imaginable, not constrained by any physical limitations. This allows one to give full rein to one’s imagination and model anything from a fantasy creature, and a futuristic city, to a fictional historical event. Besides, one can also manipulate the lighting, materials, textures, colors, and perspectives of the 3D models to achieve myriad moods and effects,

Traditional photography, on the other hand, is constrained by the existing reality and the camera settings. One has to find or create the subject matter, arrange the composition, and wait for the right lighting conditions. While one can edit the photos using software, this is usually limited to enhancing or altering the existing elements, not creating whole new ones.

Secondly, 3D modeling is more cost-effective and time-efficient than traditional photography. All one needs is a computer and a software program to create realistic and high-quality images that can wow one’s target audience. There is no need to invest in buying or renting expensive equipment like cameras, lenses, tripods, flashes, or studio props. Besides, one also does not need to travel to different locations, hire models or actors, or obtain permits or permissions to shoot in certain places. Then there are unpredictable factors, such as weather, traffic, crowds, or technical issues to contend with.

Price-Wise Comparison Between 3D Modelling and Traditional Photography

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According to recent research conducted in 17 different cities around the world, the global average cost entailed by a 5-product traditional photography shoot is 6 times higher than 3D modeling. The cost difference is almost 8 times in the United States. Another research carried out by Arsenal and CGT concluded that traditional photography on an average basis is six times more expensive than 3D modeling.

Any promotional campaign these days is an exorbitantly expensive affair, what with the cost of creating product visuals being able to cause a business to overshoot its budget and, therefore, negatively impact its bottom line. That is where 3D photorealistic rendering can step up to the plate and save a campaign by drastically reducing costs by creating any number of scenes and setting variations that can help promote the product in question in the best possible manner.

Advantages of 3Dmodelling over traditional photography

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3D modeling has some very obvious advantages over traditional photography in terms of cost, efficiency, flexibility, and diversity of application. Let us look at these advantages a little more closely.

  1. 3D modeling possesses the ability to represent things that don’t even exist as of now. A product prototype or a building design are cases in point.
  2. It can help save time and money by eliminating the need for studio setups, mock-ups, lighting equipment, reshoots, and so on.
  3. 3D modeling can help create the ideal conditions for an image about things like lighting, weather, textures, color, and angles.
  4. It affords greater flexibility, thereby enhancing creativity by allowing for easy edits, variations, animations, and interactive features.
  5. 3d modeling is known to substantially increase the conversion rate by leveraging the latest 3D as well as augmented reality (AR) technology to empower online consumers to see the products being sold from different angles or view these as digital representations against the backdrop of their homes.

Conclusion

3D modeling scores big time over traditional photography on multiple counts. The very fact that 3D models appear photorealistic, making them as real looking as a traditional image at a fraction of the cost usually involved, and can be produced in double quick time gives it a huge advantage over traditional photography. Add to that the fact that 3D modeling is many times more interactive and its attractiveness over traditional photography is a no-brainer.

We live in the digital age where eCommerce has become mainstream. People have come to expect the same visual experience when visiting a digital store that they get when visiting a physical one. This is where 3D modeling technology can optimize the consumer experience by making it possible for eCommerce businesses to cheaply and efficiently obtain all the images of their products that they need to market them without having to break the bank. Besides, they would be able to do so in an interactive and life-like manner that has a greater possibility of leading to a purchase. What would you rather choose? The answer is quite obvious.

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