Exterior rendering can make a massive difference in your visualizations. This tool can make your visualizations appear more realistic, and you can present your desired object in different lights during the day.

People want to see the most realistic version of lighting and rendering in a visualization. However, 3D artists often make mistakes with rendering, such as making the visualization too bright or not adding shadows when needed.

Rendering can add depth to your visualization, and this is why we have created a list of nine things you can do to make your exterior renders even better in your next project.

1. Position the sun correctly

Adding the sun and the light it shines throughout the day is one of the crucial steps in exterior visualization. This way, people can see what an object, such as a house, or a building, will look like at a specific part of the day.

However, you need to be aware of the position of the sun at different times. When working on your exterior visualization, make sure to position the sun the way it would generally look at that particular hour.

That includes not putting it too high or too low when you want to convey a specific time of day. Additionally, avoid positioning the sun in a way that can affect the visualization. For example, you don’t want to see too many sun rays that cover the exterior in a visualization.

2. Adjust shadow positions according to the sun

Now that you have added the sun to your visualization, you must also add shadows. The correct position of the shadows depends on how you have positioned the sun in your visualization.

For example, if the sun is positioned on the left side of your visualization, the proper position of the shadows will be on the right side, and vice versa. Adding shadows to your visualization creates depth, ultimately leading to a more realistic visualization.

3. Work on the sky

Another thing that adds depth to visualizations is the sky. We all know what the sky looks like when it is about to rain and when it is sunny outside. To add a realistic feel to your visualizations, you should take some time to work on the sky.

For example, if the project you are working on is located in a more rainy area, you might want to add a few clouds in the sky, so the people can see what the exterior will look like on rainy days.

Moreover, you shouldn’t paint the sky blue, without any clouds. Adding a few clouds can give a more realistic feeling to the overall picture.

4. Add reflections but make them realistic

There are different types of reflections that you should use in your exterior visualizations that can add depth to your project. The reflection depends on the object itself and the materials used for the object.

For example, you should add reflections to windows outside because, usually, you will be able to see some reflections in the glass when you walk by. Make sure that these reflections are realistic (for example, a reflection of the street or the backyard).

5. Include vegetation where it makes sense

Including vegetation can significantly impact the atmosphere of the exterior. Before adding vegetation, though, keep in mind the goal you want to achieve. If you want the exterior to look more relaxing, add more plants.

It is important to state that trees, flowers, and other vegetation isn’t suitable for all exteriors and cannot be put everywhere. If your visualization has a large backyard, you might want to add a few trees and flowers but don’t cover the whole backyard.

6. Add people

People are a big part of any exterior setting, and you should add them to your visualizations. When adding people, you can create a story behind your visualization, making it more realistic.

For example, if there is an outdoor pool in your exterior visualization, you can add some people in the pool or some who are sunbathing. You can also add a family doing activities by the pool.

It will automatically bring your visualization closer to your viewers.

7. Add vehicles

You should add all the realistic items you think are suitable when working on an exterior visualization – and what says exterior, if not vehicles? For example, if you are designing a house, you can add a car in the garage or backyard.

It’s vital for buildings and offices because most have parking spaces in front. Adding vehicles of all kinds will take your exterior visualization to the next level.

8. Adopt the right scale

In visualization, scale refers to the sizes of objects compared to one another. Using the correct scale in exterior visualization is crucial because, if not done correctly, the visualization won’t be realistic.

When adding new objects to the exterior, make them smaller or bigger depending on the other objects you have already added. For example, a flower cannot be as big as a bush, so you need to make it smaller.

9. The perspective is important

Lastly, perspective plays a significant role in exterior visualization. If the perspective is poor, it can negatively affect the atmosphere of the visualization, so make sure to use a human’s perspective to make the visualization realistic.

You should avoid any perspectives that might not be visible to the human eye, such as the bird’s eye view.

Conclusion

The exterior of an object may require many tools to look realistic. Luckily, many simple tools can add depth and create an atmosphere for the viewers.

We have listed some crucial steps you should follow to make your renderings better and more realistic. They may involve lighting or adding other objects, but all of them together will tell a story behind your design.

Incorporating these steps into your next visualization will take your rendering skills to a higher level.