Lighting Styles used in 3D Rendering

Jan 19, 2023

2 min

    3D

Discover that lighting style idea that changes your 2023 and beyond for good!

3D Render of a Mediterranean-style living room by HomeRender

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.

1. 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

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, it creates a beautiful warm hue that lends a soft, tranquil look to the rendering.

Experience the impact yourself by examining the sample photo below.

Were you impressed by the two lighting styles so far?

Daytime lighting creates inviting, joyful emotions, while Dusk or Dawn lighting crafts a cozy, warm ambiance. Both styles evoke appealing emotions, elucidating their popularity in architectural visualization.

This article was last updated on Apr 17, 2024

    3D

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