Product Lifestyle Image Updates with CG Rendering

Lifestyle Photography Updating Images with CG Replacement

In some use cases, we are asked to update existing images taken for products. With product updates and additional product offerings, decisions are made to re-use existing photography, but to update the product shown. CG rendering and compositing can be used to replace older product or prior VBL to update the imagery to match current needs.

When lifestyle photo shoots are planned, the information from set such as Focal Length and F/Stop as well as set survey data with distances and locations images, there is a proper amount of correct information to better match the CG renders to match the images correctly. With existing images that exist on Digital Asset systems, there is a good possibility that the meta data from the original shoot is not intact. When this happens, using FSpy or visual approximation to match the scene or focal length is used.

The intention in this process is to make great looking product images for marketing efforts. Real world objects have usage and wear as well as dirt and scratches no matter how much effort goes into preparation for the photo shoot. The addition of these elements are possible in CG rendering and compositing, but decisions usually are made from the Marketing group to get as clean and great looking products. This plays to the strength of the CG rendering for product visualization which gives massive control in post for everything pertaining to VBL and Branding accuracy. The biggest complaint in imagery is matching the Pantone or Hex value for branded coloration is more easily added back into the marketing images using CG rendering.

Stages of the image setup:

Clean image plate
Export clean plate and lineup images for 3D setup and lineup
Line up 3D product to the plate
Add lighting and materials to integrate into the image
Render multi-pass EXR files with needed passes including Cryptomatte Passes
Composite the CG EXR files into the plate
Final render and convert it into a layered PSD

Render passes breakdown — EXR multi-pass output used for compositing

Stages of Replacement

Climbing lifestyle shot — CG product replacement workflow

Stages of Replacement

Standing lifestyle shot — CG product replacement workflow

Stages of Replacement

Room close-up lifestyle shot — CG product replacement workflow

In most cases with the update of the imagery using CG renders, decisions are made to make a really clean render, as photos such as these images where the actual ladder used in the photo shoot has clear usage marks and scratches. This is something that can be added to CG to integrate the maximum level of realistic compositing, but in marketing imagery when using CG elements, you have a wide level of controls over the final look.