Real estate developments—whether residential, commercial, or industrial—are a form of art that people can live, play, or work in. As such, every detail deserves to be seen and experienced in an immersive way even before the structure is built. Recognizing the value of these touchpoints, Plus Render uses 3D real estate photography to create virtual environments that engage investors and buyers. 

3D real estate photography is one of the best ways to showcase a property—from its location down to the design and decor details. To deliver this, we utilize our highly advanced in-house software PlusReal to create life-like visualizations through 3D photography and drone implementation. 

The result? Unparalleled property viewing that is experiential—allowing users to perceive, feel, and interpret the property virtually.  

3D Real Estate Photography: Making Virtual Tours Visually Engaging

3D real estate photography is essentially what makes virtual tours come alive. High-quality 3D photos are necessary for creating highly immersive virtual environments. With the right angles, light, contrast, shapes, textures, and sense of space, properties can be depicted as close to reality as possible. 

We combine 360-degree photos with drone cameras to capture the big and small picture, creating compelling visual narratives. In today’s landscape, people are drawn to authentic experiences and in the realm of property viewing, 3D photos and virtual tours are as real as they can get. 

What Exactly Is 3D Photography and How Is It Done?

3D photography adds depth or a sense of space to the usual 2D photos that show only height and width. When you view a 3D photo, it closely resembles reality because it replicates the way human vision perceives depth and dimension.

Capturing 3D images can be done using cameras or software: 

Smartphone 

Smartphones can create 3D images by taking two photos of one scene. After the first shot is taken, the camera is moved to the right between two and 2.8 inches while remaining at eye level. This is roughly equivalent to the distance between two human eyes. Users can then employ a stereoscopic app to create a 3D image by choosing images that best represent the depth they want to show. 

Smartphones with dual cameras and 3D apps can mimic human vision and create 3D photos easily. 3D artists can employ built-in features like cross-view modes, auto-alignment, and stereo windows. These help create a 3D effect of images where one pops and the other recedes. 

Single-Lens Camera

Using a single-lens camera to create 3D images is similar to using a smartphone; however, creators must consider the distance of the subject from the camera. The camera should be moved horizontally to the right by roughly 3.33% of the distance between the subject and the camera.

After taking the right photos, 3D artists can use software to combine both photos and create a 3D effect.

3D Camera

3D cameras are equipped with capabilities that analyze photos and create 3D images. They measure distances, textures, time of flight, and other spatial details to create life-like versions of photographed subjects. 

3D renders made with 3D cameras capture the depth, details, and dimensions of spaces, producing depictions that look and feel real.  

How Plus Render Captures Stunning 3D Real Estate Photos

Similar to general commercial photography, it takes artistry and technical know-how to captivate target audiences with 3D environments. Our advanced software PlusReal delivers professional output that enhances real estate marketing. 

Aside from using the right equipment and software, Plus Render generates compelling 3D real estate photos by: 

Choosing the Right Time of Day

We take advantage of the golden hour (one hour after sunrise and one hour before sunset). This allows us to capture the sun’s soft warm light while minimizing shadows for a picture-perfect scene. With proper timing, we’re able to show off outdoor spaces, large glass windows, and picturesque verandas. 

Plus Render generally avoids photography high at noon since the harsh sun can wash out colors. Depending on the property’s orientation, we may shoot pictures during mid-morning or early afternoon to capture a well-illumined facade of properties. 

Plan the Shot List

It’s critical to have a shot list so we don’t miss out on any essential images during the small window of time when the light is just right. Our real estate shot list usually includes capturing images of the:

• Front exterior
• Back exterior
• Family room
• Kitchen
• Master bedroom
• Master bathroom
• Guest room
• Guest room bathroom
• Dining area
• Basement
• Deck
• Aerial shot of the property

It is equally important to photograph the property’s unique features, interesting perspectives, views, and standout areas. We also pay attention to architectural elements like wainscoting or hardwood floors, high-end installations and furnishings, and special-purpose rooms like gyms, indoor swimming pools, or manicured gardens. 

Stage the Space 

A dusty window or furniture can ruin the shot no matter how well-designed the space is. Plus Render ensures that every room and area is thoroughly cleaned and there is no clutter in sight. We ask our clients to help remove unnecessary items and personal belongings so the viewer’s attention is focused on the property and its features. 

We allow the space to make a great first impression by creating an impressive and inviting atmosphere. For office buildings, we strive to showcase comfortable zones, modern meeting rooms, parking spaces, and stunning window views. For residences, we highlight lifestyle features, custom pieces, and architectural details. For industrial spaces, we try to include photos of the layout to demonstrate its equipment rooms, offices, recreation areas, access points, emergency features, and its ability to encourage efficiency.

What To Expect From Plus Render’s 3D Real Estate Photography and Virtual Tours

Our workflow involves the use of 2D plans to create virtual tours and 3D models. Depending on our client’s requirement, we generate 360º images or a virtual reality environment to create realistic visualization tools. 

Aside from being used as marketing tools, our virtual tours are also used by architects and interior designers. They employ them for collaboration and to involve and excite potential investors. 

By using 3D real estate photography and drone implementation, we vividly provide information on:

Location

We give viewers an instant feel and appreciation of the project’s location. We incorporate driving and walking distances while highlighting points of interest. 

Dimension

We provide dimension details and how they feel as stakeholders navigate the property’s space. Through our PlusReal software, we create virtual spaces that viewers can explore based on actual scale—from walkways and patios to interior rooms and basements.   

Design Details

Our photo renderings and virtual tours offer details about the exterior and interior design elements, including materials, systems, furnishings, and other features. In 3D tours, users can click on an object and see key information. 

Environment

What the property looks and feels like based on its setting can lead users to form a deeper connection with it. Environmental elements and situations impact the atmosphere of the space. These include different times in a day or seasons in a year. 

Additionally, we can incorporate how the sunlight hits the windows in the morning, how the city lights are reflected on the windows at night, or how the scenery and greenery outside are framed by the windows or viewed from the balcony.

Autopilot or Self-Controlled Options

Depending on the client’s needs, we may create autopilot and self-controlled virtual tours. Autopilot tours are fully guided tours where the user can look around from a fixed location. 

Self-controlled tours are more interactive as they allow users to virtually explore the property at their own pace and direction. They can click on objects to see details or interact with the 3D environment by performing certain actions like opening doors or turning the lights on or off. 

Seamless 3D Simulations Redefine How You Design, Sell, and Buy Real Estate 

3D photography’s hyperrealistic details allow users to experience real estate spaces as if they have already materialized. In existing properties, they empower potential buyers to view and explore listings remotely. As virtual tours and 3D real estate photography become closer to reality than ever, Plus Render is redefining property viewing experiences and design collaboration. 

These modern visualizations provide greater engagement, interaction, and collaboration. Development teams and potential investors can brainstorm on design improvements while realtors can expand their reach and efficiently identify serious buyers. Meanwhile, company executives and business owners can use our solutions to aid their decision-making when buying or renting property. Let Plus Render provide you with state-of-the-art 3D simulations that revolutionize the way you do real estate. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation proposal.