Today, I want to share with you 5 tips to enhance the composition in your architectural renders. Composition is a fundamental aspect of creating impactful images that convey the concept and intention of your architectural project. These are some tips that you can start applying today to elevate the quality of your renders.
Composition is the arrangement of elements in a visual representation, and it plays a crucial role in architectural renders as it influences how viewers perceive the design, message, and qualities of the project.
There are many composition principles and techniques that can help you, as an architect, create compelling images that leave a lasting impression. Here are some of them:
1. Flip the image horizontally and vertically.
Sometimes, when we work on an image for a long time, we become accustomed to seeing it in a certain way and may overlook empty or overloaded areas.
Viewing the image from a different perspective is highly useful, and one way to do this is by flipping the image horizontally. This allows us to identify if there are any elements that disrupt the balance or if we need to add or remove elements to compensate for the image's weight.
Remember, the image should be balanced in both its original version and its symmetrical or flipped version.
For example, in the following image, the furniture and the well-lit area occupy the entire left half of the composition. Our gaze naturally gravitates towards this area. To balance the weight, a large mass of vegetation appears on the right side, harmonizing the image.
Can you imagine the image without this vegetation? Do you see how it would be unbalanced?
2. Visualize the image in black and white to check for contrast.
Contrast is another key factor in creating a visually powerful and appealing image. Contrast helps differentiate the planes, shapes, and details within the image.
One way to determine if you have a good balance of tones is by converting the image to black and white and assessing whether there is sufficient distinction between light and dark areas. If the image appears flat or confusing, you can adjust the contrast using tools like curves or levels.
We can differentiate between light contrast and colour contrast.
By converting the image to black and white, you can ensure that you have enough contrast of light. To complement it, make sure to use complementary colors to add color contrast to your image.
Take a look at this example. The two predominant tones are the yellow of the interior lighting of the building and the blue of the sky. Yes, they are complementary colors, and they help create harmony in the image.
3. Direct the viewer's gaze to a single point.
One of the biggest mistakes in architectural renders is not having a focus or point to draw the viewer's attention.
Utilize lines and guides to direct the gaze towards that point. One of the objectives of composition is to capture the viewer's attention and guide it towards the focal point of the image.
This could be the entrance of our building, light illuminating the interior, a unique design feature, or even a group of people walking around our building.
In this example, observe how all the lines in the image, both the lighting and the architecture of the ramp, lead towards the background and the central seating area, creating a specific point to look at. Cool, right?
4. Experiment with composition rules.
One of the most well-known rules in photography, and therefore in architectural renders, is the rule of thirds, but it is not the only one.
The rule of thirds is a widely used technique in photography and design that involves dividing the image into nine equal parts using two horizontal and two vertical lines. According to this rule, the points where the lines intersect are the most interesting for placing the focal point, as they create greater visual tension than the center. We can also use the lines to position the horizon or secondary elements.
Can you see the rule of thirds in the following image?
Oh! Rules are meant to be broken. It's good to be aware of them, but don't hesitate to break them when your eye is trained enough to create compelling compositions.
5. Add human or natural elements to provide scale and life to the image for better compositions in your architectural renderings
Including human or natural elements helps viewers have a reference for the scale of our project.
These elements can include people, animals, plants, etc., and they help us understand the size and proportion of the building, as well as create a more realistic and dynamic atmosphere. However, it is important to be cautious not to overuse these elements or distract the viewer from the focal point.
I hope these tips can help you improve your architecture renderings. Remember that composition is an art that requires practice and experimentation, so don't be afraid to try new things and don't forget to have fun in the process.
At Render4tomorrow, we create 3D architectural images to bring your projects to life. Contact us today, and we will be delighted to create photorealistic images for your projects.