CGI Technology has expounded over the years. Some organisations may find themselves struggling whether to utilise this digital technique vs. traditional photoshoots. When you think about CGI, you may find yourself wandering around the ideas of gaming, architecture, and the like. In the present time, CGI produces stunning visuals for all industries that aids in showcasing their products and services to many.
Computer Generated Imagery (CGI) is a digital version of a still, animated or moving visual. It is the way to go over conventional photography because of many reasons. However, let’s name a few to shed some light on this subject.
Simplified Workflow
Compared to a multitude of preparations to consider in a traditional photoshoot, not to mention the complexed rounds of digital retouches involved, CGI’s workflow just makes the process simpler.
Volume and Speed
Product photography for instance, may be at times limited to the number of allowable objects within a suitable and desirable package. CGI allows the digitisation of product needs in terms of quantity. Hence, a more controlled timescale.
Once a 3D model is set up, generating multiple images or angles can be done relatively quickly. Additionally, there’s no need to manage logistical challenges like shipping products, setting up scenes, or waiting for the perfect natural lighting.
Consistency and Flexibility
The exact setup of a product photoshoot can be similarly (or even better) achieved. Despite complex camera and light requirements, CGI allows photographic realism in all angles. Imagine the astounding flexibility it can bring comparable to shutter speed, aperture, focus, and camera angles of a traditional shot. Also, no external or environmental factors can affect the quality of CGI, allowing you to achieve consistent output. No need to worry about weather conditions, natural lighting variations, or unplanned interruptions as with traditional photography.
In addition, CGI tools give you more control. Designers can modify colors, lighting, textures, and environments with a few clicks, ensuring the final image aligns perfectly with the desired vision.
SAFETY AND SUSTAINABILITY
CGI, as done on digital, does not require travelling, setting up real environments, single-use backdrops and props, and costly lighting and fixtures. CGI rendering also showcases multiple creative environments that can bring ideas into life.
CGI can create scenes that might be dangerous, difficult, or expensive to replicate in reality, such as explosions, outer space sequences, or historical recreations.
Accessibility and Timeliness
Regardless of company size and maturity, CGI is generally accessible for all. This also allows organisations to take full control when any amendments come along the way at any given time. Small-to-medium companies are also not restricted in terms of cost and time implications compared to a regular photoshoot.
UNLIMITED CREATIVE POTENTIAL
CGI is not bound by physical constraints. This means creators can produce scenes or products that might be impossible or highly impractical to capture with traditional photography. There’s no limit to the type of scenes that you want to produce with CGI.
Designers can build any environment, whether it’s a bustling alien planet, a serene fantasy forest, or a stylized room for product showcasing, without the constraints and costs of location scouting or set building.
POST-PRODUCTION ALTERATIONS
Changes in CGI images, whether minor tweaks or major overhauls, can be achieved without needing to reshoot. This adaptability ensures visuals remain relevant and can be adapted to evolving requirements.
CGI 2023 TRENDS TO LOOK FORWARD TO
CGI is vast and ever-evolving. If you are thinking of using CGI for your campaigns, then here are some of the trends you should know.
- Hyper-realism: The drive for graphics that are indistinguishable from real life is ongoing. With improvements in rendering technologies, expect an even closer bridge between CGI and reality, making it challenging to distinguish computer-generated images from actual photographs.
- AI-Powered CGI: Machine learning and AI technologies can accelerate rendering processes, automate repetitive tasks, and even help in generating intricate details within CGI scenes. In 2023, you will see the more advanced integration of AI and CGI.
- Virtual Production: Inspired by the success of movies and shows that adopted real-time CGI environments (e.g., “The Mandalorian”), the blending of physical and digital production using LED walls and real-time engines like Unreal Engine would likely become more commonplace.
- Extended Reality (XR): With Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Mixed Reality (MR) becoming more mainstream, there would be a significant demand for high-quality CGI content tailored for immersive environments.
Is CGI better than traditional photography?
The decision on whether to use traditional photography, CGI, or a combination of both depends on a case-by-case basis. It’s vital to know the benefits and shortfalls of both techniques before deciding which path to take.
In this blog, we’ve named a few of those benefits of CGI. If you find these suited to your business needs, our CGI expertise is ready for your access in a few clicks.
Connect with us or Schedule A Call for starters.
About The Author
Freddie Lacorte
He's the Brand Architect "slash" Digital Trailblazer of the Team. Freddie brings forth his expertise in Marketing, getting the word out there about us. Whether it's establishing one's identity with branding solutions, or tapping onto the latest digital trends, he got those covered. On the side, he's a frustrated singer who plays acoustic guitar.
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