Should You Hire a Photographer or a 3D Artist For Your Interior Design Portfolio?

Your latest interior project has just been completed. Literally, it's the best feeling you have in MONTHS.?

And you found yourself sitting in your office, freshly caffeinated. You pulled out your phone to check the photos you took at the space yesterday, buzzing with excitement to upload them on your portfolio.

Then... your smile faded.?

Are you being paranoid, or have the photos taken by your expensive iPhone just gotten worse these days?!?

While you didn't notice, some millwork detail couldn't fit into the small lens. The study room has gotten so dark. And your choice for the lovely mint cushions suddenly turned gray.?

"Oh God... Why can't I ever be at peace?"

You've poured your heart and soul into this project for a full year. But with these crappy photos, what could you do to feature your design? What about your dusty portfolio desperately waiting for a new year update? Your mind races with three choices:

Either buy a new phone,

hire a photographer...

or use the 3D visuals you have for the space.?

Before buying your new phone, it is time to lay out the benefits and risks of architectural photographs and 3D visuals, to find the best options for you.

1. Your creative control:

The picture does not lie, which means interior photos show the real space with all its quirks and character.?

This also means you can't show what doesn't exist. If your client didn't buy your perfect choice of candle stand in their space, then those who view your portfolio will never know you suggested it.?

This is the exact opposite of 3D visuals.

In 3D, you can request to adjust lighting, textures, and furniture so it becomes a picture-perfect representation of your design.?

Many designers ask us for different versions of the same design - during the day or at night, which we can do right away without even waiting for the sunset.?

For some complex projects, animations are also requested to provide an immersive experience of the design.

2. Your investment:?

For a small project, you can expect to hire a budget-friendly photographer to shoot for $500 in two hours.

For more complex requirements, a photoshoot can cost upward of $2000.

"Now this is an easy game, there's no way I'd pay $500 to get one 3D visual while I can have a shoot of 10, even 12 images for the same budget." - you mumbled.

Well, unfortunately, the game is not that easy.? You need to think about the hidden cost as well.?

When you do a photoshoot, you can't just go straight to your client's house and have someone shoot their new space.?

You need to hire a professional cleaner. Or even an interior styler. Or paying for the opportunity cost of yourself, if you will do it alone.

Make sure you are counting that on so your budget doesn't overbreak.?

For 3D visuals, there are cases you need to pay for 3D modeling if you don't have an existing 3D model.? If you require a special camera angle, featuring a human scenario or a special lighting mood, there are extra fees for it as well.??

So you have to be specific and be clear on what you need, so you can have a deliverable that returns you the best value of investment.??

3. Your time

Deciding whether or not to hire a photographer or 3D artist depends on which phase of the design process you are in.?

If you completed the space neatly, hiring a professional photographer is an authentic way to establish your project. Looking at the photos, your potential clients will find a realistic outcome for their own dream space. It drives them to reach out for your help to get the same result.?

When you hire a photography service, make sure you plan your time for the following:?

• You need to schedule a time with your client;
• Schedule that time with your photographer;
• Make sure the day isn't disturbed by bad weather (annoying, but happens more often than not)

If you are in design development, or the space is being built, what is the point of choosing? You can't show a pile of bricks in your portfolio anyway.?

In this case, you would take advantage of 3D visuals to meet your three goals:?

• Present your design ideas to your client;?
• Get your client approval faster;?
• Showcase your projects right from the early process;??

This way, you will have your 3D visuals developed over time throughout your projects.?

After each phase, you can update the 3D visuals on your website.

By the time your final design gets approved, you have more than beautiful visuals to showcase. You have the whole asset to write a great case study that hooks your potential clients.?

So, what's your verdict? Photography or 3D visuals?

The answer, as always, is it depends.

Ultimately, the key is to understand your goals and choose the method that best helps you achieve them. Consider factors like budget, time constraints, project stage, and desired level of control.

Remember, you can also use BOTH photography and 3D visuals together to create a comprehensive and engaging portfolio. Take advantage of all mediums that empower you to showcase your interior design in the most impactful way.

And who knows, maybe that new phone can wait for a little while longer :)

See you next time,

Selena T.

Co-founder & Studio head of TWG Studio