Post-production

Post-production is the stage where the raw output of the render engine is refined in an image editor. Color and contrast are adjusted, the sky is improved or replaced, people and planting are added, and light and atmosphere are pushed further. In architectural visualization, much of an image’s final character is shaped at this point.

What happens in post-production

Typical steps include color grading, selective brightening, vignetting, light sharpening and layers of haze or atmosphere. When render passes are available (separate layers for reflections, lighting, material masks and so on), you can change the brightness of the glazing or the color of a single material without rendering again. Skies, distant backgrounds and people are often placed here as well, since they are easier to judge on the finished frame.

Balancing render and post

Experienced teams get the light and materials right in the render and treat post-production as the finishing stage, not a rescue. A wrong sun angle or an unconvincing material is hard to fix afterwards and usually leaves traces. On the other hand, careful post work can turn a technically correct but lifeless image into one that feels warm and inviting. To see how landscape elements are used at this stage, read about Photoshop landscape elements.