MicrostockGroup

The end is nigh. There's some discussion on istock forums at the moment about the placement of 3D renders in best match. XXL images without a Hasselblad. I've been watching the portfolio under discussion (alexsl) and he's reached diamond pretty quickly. mevans there has a nice stable of sports cars that aren't encumbered with copyright issues. I have some images on one of the micro sites that consist of a human model composited into a 3D rendered office setting (I used lisegagne's studio as a basis for my architectural visualisation), and I'm very much a beginner at 3D. Photorealistic renderings of people have started to appear on the covers of fashion magazines. It may already be the case that some artists have a stable of virtual models in Armanis, able to stage endless business meetings. I'd say that 3d technology is about as mature as digital cameras were when they started to oust film.

All true, but once a model has been created it can be used indefinitely. Besides, one can buy models. One 3D artist I know says about 90% of 3D art uses the same mesh (an attractive young female, surprise, surprise). Blender is an open source alternative for 3D apps. And a lot of young people are learning this stuff. Probably more than are learning real photography (ie how to shoot in manual mode).

From a person who works in advertising, my company would never use the 3D graphics for any campaign, straight photography only.

Will people become bored with the little 3D stick men if they aren't already? The realistic 3D objects may do very well in the future, especially if you can't tell they are computer generated.

You can also take indefinete number of pictures of the same model. But that doesn't work. People want new faces all the time. Also you need props, not only a model. Then you have to position the props, figure the shaders, lights, play with render settings,... There is no way you can do 100 hi quality realistic renderings in the same time that you shoot and edit photos. Buying models means less profit, also making investments which may or may not repay themselves.

Blender is ok, but the GUI sux and there are many things missing compared to other packages.

In my opinion, you'll have to work very hard, and pass the "realistic" point to reach the far away point where it will be impossible to tell if it's a real person or a 3D. Publicity has a need of "real truth and emotion" (or it's appearance) that nothing perceived as "artificial" can't achieve.

I'm both a photographer and a 3D... artist(?) and this discussion is quite interesting indeed.

I think that 3D is not suitable for photorealistic human renders yet, but when you see the evolution of 3D for the last 10 years, it's quite clear that we are only a few years away from this goal IMHO. Maybe 5, probably 10 years, my guesstimate.

Concerning microstock, I would say that 3D and photo are quite complementary: depending on the subject, 3D may be the best option however. This is the reason why I try to master both techniques.

But I don't think that 3D has to be photorealistic anyway: there is plenty of room in microstock for non-realistic 3D renders as there is room for illustration.

People will always to request to see real people on ads and other printing materials. Maybe when we become robots 3D models of people will be acceptable more. Also video is becoming more and more demanding. I started on IS as exclusive video and every days sales is better and better.

vgajic

Whoa, graphically, did you get a new shutter release?  Just watching your avatar.

I think that photography will exist long long time, like painting, engraving, etc...
Only quality will be better...

When video came, many were talking that photography will die, but nothing...

Point is in human perceptions of reality...

Why little child draws house  in 2-dimensional only!? Because it easy to figure out, to understand or reach message... But also message must be quickly.
In adult's world perception is the same, but with more details,still and  again we need to get information very quickly...
That is main reason why we put pictures on  walls , we like 2D messages because is quickest way to get many information about something, on first sight...

Photography will exist , stock photography also because is:" 1 picture is 1000 words in a second!"