• Before an accurate Photorealistic Image can be produced, 3D geometrical information that fully mathematically describe each object in the scene must be entered into a computer CAD system.
• The computer will represent the 3D geometrical data in the form of a rendered (coloured) 3D
  image. The goal is to produce a 3d images that is as “life like” or as "Photorealistic" as possible.
• Initially the computer will generate a basic rendering, but with the gradual addition of real world conditions, a photorealistic image will be produced. The following attributes are what collectively contribute to a Photorealistic Image:

Colour ~ Perspective ~ Lighting ~ Textures ~ Shadows ~ Reflections ~ Scenery ~ Visual Effects (Lens flare etc) Trees & Foliage ~ Depth of Field ~ People & Cars etc. The 3d illustrations below show the step-by-step process required to achieve photorealistic imagery.

In most cases, we will produce photorealistic images from our clients existing computer-aided designs. This is the most cost effective approach. We can however convert manual drawings into 3D solid models (essential for rendering), if required.

The illustration on the left is a traditionally produced 2D line drawing.

Once all the necessary geometry has been entered into
the computer, a 3D Solid Model is produced like
the one below, ready for the 3d photorealistic image creation.

This is the result of all the 3d geometrical information being entered. A 3d wire frame model. Not very exciting, but the image is already pictorially more informative than the 2d plan drawing above.

Here we are adding 2 more attributes:-

• Texture's

• & Colour

Here "textures" or digital photographs of real objects are used to create the illusion of photo-realism. This is evident of the wall clock, cooker and hob. These bitmaps are digitally wrapped to the 3d surfaces. Now the 3d image is beginning to look photorealistic, but there are still other "real world" effects and enhancements yet to be made:-

There are two very important "real world" attributes missing from the cad rendering above.

All those spotlights shining down and not a single shadow or reflection. The 3d illustration on the left now has these attributes added, and the difference is striking. These attributes are probably the most important. Now it's looking Photorealistic.

The picture on the wall also helps to create a photorealistic effect. Its actually a digital photograph of a real picture.

Were not finished yet!

Let's add another attribute:-

• What kitchen wouldn't look good with a Houseplant or two.

Without wishing to go overboard, we have staged the dinning table by adding a few more objects to make it look like a "lived in" room, and one of my favourite effects "lens flare". This is basically simulating what can happen when a scene is photographed using flash photography. Lens flare has been added to the cooker hood in this image.

Finally, a lived in room has to have people! "real digital people" can be introduced into the scene. Real as in a digital photographs of a real person, as opposed to computer generated.