Lighting Styles used in 3D Rendering
Discover that lighting style idea that changes your 2024 and beyond for good!
Jan 19, 2023 · 2 min min read
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Most of us like certain movies because we can relate to them.
We can relate to its story, settings, OST, characters, and scenes.
But did you know that one more element completes the movie, making us want them so much?
It’s the lighting.
Lighting plays a crucial role in communicating the intended emotions of writers and directors to their audience. Take note of the lighting used in a specific scene if they want to evoke a lively and celebratory atmosphere.
Have you noticed how the lighting changes in such situations? Similarly, observe the lighting when they attempt to evoke a sense of loneliness within you.
Were you able to discern any difference?
Lighting is very effective in stirring the audience’s emotions. The same is true with rendering. When proper lighting is used in a rendering, it can unleash the details that the artist wants their clients to see. The right lighting can also reveal the overall beauty of a rendering.
Lighting does a lot, and it can make or break a client’s expectation of one’s design. Thus, it is essential for someone in the real estate, construction, or design business to be knowledgeable about the different lighting styles, as it can directly impact their client’s perspective on the quality of their work and overall business service.
Having said this, allow us to share with you the different lighting styles that artists use in 3D Rendering.
Lighting Styles
While there are three lighting styles - Daytime, Dusk or Dawn, and Nighttime - our focus here will be on the first two, which are most prevalent in architectural visualization. Let's explore why.
Daytime (Noon) Lighting Style
Artists employing this lighting style aim to achieve several objectives in their renderings:
- Present designs with brighter colors, evoking positive vibes.
3D Render of a living room by HomeRender
- Showcase the beauty of color palettes or emphasize architectural dimensions.
3D Render of a Modern Farmhouse living room by HomeRender
- Highlight intricate details like textures, furniture, unique decor, and home furnishings for clients to appreciate with precision.
3D Render of a Scandinavian living room by HomeRender
- Evoke a comfortable mood that resonates with clients.
3D Render of a living room by HomeRender
According to numerous artists across various forums, daytime (noon) lighting reigns as the most preferred style among clients due to its professional appeal. However, it's crucial to note that while this holds for most clients, not all may share this preference, making awareness of the Dusk or Dawn Lighting Style equally imperative.
Dusk or Dawn Lighting Style
The second most-chosen lighting style among clients holds appeal for several reasons:
- Its warm and cozy interior ambiance fosters relaxation, much needed in today's hectic world.
- It captures the serene essence of sitting on a balcony during sunrise or sunset, savoring a cup of your favorite beverage.
How does the dusk or dawn lighting style achieve this dreamy feel?
By harmonizing the colors from daytime and nighttime, dusk lighting style creates a beautiful warm hue that lends a soft, tranquil look to the rendering.
Experience the impact yourself by examining the sample photo below.
3D Render of a Contemporary Living Room by HomeRender
Impressed by the two lighting styles so far?
Daytime lighting excels in creating inviting, joyful emotions, while Dusk or Dawn lighting crafts a cozy, warm ambiance. Both styles evoke appealing emotions, elucidating their popularity in architectural visualization.
Understanding the Impact of Lighting in 3D Renderings
Lighting plays a crucial role in 3D renderings, significantly influencing the overall atmosphere and appeal of the depicted space. For realtors, mastering the art of lighting in these renderings can have a profound impact on their prospects.
Here's how:
1. Setting the Mood
The type of lighting used in a 3D rendering can set the mood and tone of the space, influencing how potential buyers perceive it. For instance, bright and natural daylighting can make a room feel spacious, airy, and inviting, perfect for showcasing open-concept living areas or expansive outdoor spaces. On the other hand, warm and soft lighting reminiscent of dusk or dawn can create a sense of coziness and intimacy, ideal for highlighting cozy corners or serene bedrooms.
2. Enhancing Visual Appeal
Well-executed lighting can enhance the visual appeal of a property in 3D renderings, making it more attractive to potential buyers. By strategically placing light sources and adjusting their intensity and color temperature, realtors can draw attention to key features, highlight architectural details, and create focal points within the space. This attention to detail can significantly enhance the perceived value of the property and make it stand out in a competitive market.
3. Evoking Emotional Responses
Lighting has the power to evoke emotional responses and create a connection with viewers. Bright and cheerful lighting can evoke feelings of happiness, positivity, and optimism, while soft and warm lighting can evoke a sense of comfort, relaxation, and tranquility. By carefully choosing the lighting style that best complements the desired emotional response, realtors can effectively appeal to the emotions and aspirations of potential buyers, making them more likely to envision themselves living in the space.
Incorporating Lighting into Your Marketing Strategy
As a realtor, harnessing the power of lighting in 3D renderings can be a game-changer in your marketing strategy. By collaborating with skilled 3D artists and designers who understand the nuances of lighting, you can create visually stunning renderings that captivate potential buyers and drive interest in the property. Whether you're showcasing a modern luxury home bathed in natural daylight or a cozy retreat enveloped in warm evening glow, the right lighting can elevate your marketing efforts and help you close deals more effectively.
References:
https://architizer.com/blog/practice/tools/the-art-of-rendering-day-to-night/
https://www.quora.com/Which-scene-is-better-a-night-time-or-a-day-time-in-a-village-for-drawing
https://www.quora.com/What-types-of-lighting-are-used-in-filming
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Last updated on May 9, 2025