Most of the time, when it comes to photography or video of cars, beauty products, cosmetics, and even shoes, it’s made on a computer and not by a photographer. There are several reasons for this, but in this video, Karl Taylor, a renowned product photographer and educator, discusses photography versus 3D CGI and the advantages of each.
The importance of knowing how to light a scene, texture, the photographer’s style of composition, and overall approach to putting a scene together for a photograph is still the most important aspect. Your camera is only a tool, even if it has become the computer.
Advantages of CGI
The Model Can Be Recycled
Once the product is modeled, it can be used in any setting, so there’s no need for a client to hire a photographer every time. This saves time and money. The client doesn't need a photographer for every campaign.
It Can Display the Impossible
There are effects that can’t be produced with photography. Water splashes, materials, and gravity are not a problem in a simulated scene. There are also no problems with dust on Perspex surfaces, and the light stands that you’ve set up in the scene can be hidden in the render.
Advantages of Being a Photographer
Knowledge of Light
It’s a very understated aspect of photography, but it’s the most important part of product photography or video. Without it, the scene will not be usable, and the same is true when the product is simulated in a virtual 3D scene.
Conclusion
What do you think? Is it something that could one day replace product photography like we know it today?
Is it something you’d like to learn? Let us know in the comments.
I've see the full video before. He is right about where both have limits. People tend to fall for the Ikea model, but Ikea has simple products with very few color variations that they sell on 6 continents. Most products are not sold or produced the same way.