Creation of planning and marketing visuals blending photographic background imagery and photo realistic 3D models.
The process of producing Photomontages is complex and time consuming, however, it should be noted that any imagery produced may be subjected to expert scrutiny, especially if used as evidence at a public inquiry. Our education, experience, tools and structured approach means that imagery we produce is grounded in best practice and measured accuracy and can be verified as correct.
A photomontage is the amalgamation of a site captured photograph with a digital model (whether it be a proposed road, bridge, building, extension, golf development, etc). The aim of a verified photomontage is to illustrate what a development will look like to a person standing at the same point as the image was taken.
To create this photographs are taken with a camera and lens, resulting in a "standard" focal length (equivalent to the cone of human vision, excluding peripheral). This is achieved by using a full frame digital cameras and based on the industry standard 50mm prime lens.
Photomontages are used as part of visual impact assessments and are key elements in the planning process in many cases making or breaking an application. They are also a regular item in "requests for further information" from planners and one which (for that reason) is often better provided as part of the original planning application. The locations of images is paramount since they will be fixed when taken and these need to be agreed in consultation with the local planning authority / planner. Changes to these locations later cause delays, site revisits and subsequent costs.
The process of producing Photomontages is rather complex and time consuming, however, it should be noted that any imagery produced may be subjected to expert scrutiny, especially if used as evidence at a public inquiry. This is why the photomontages we produce are "verifiable". We follow a structured methodology from the taking of the original photographs, through survey of control points, 3D model development, lighting, sun matching, materials, camera orientation matching, rendering and down to the final stage of combining the existing and generated imagery into a single seamless verifiable image. Our methodology incorporates all best practice guidelines as defined by the relevant industry sector.
CSC have considerable experience in the production of such images and indeed video presentations and have worked on numerous projects commercial, residential, golf course, windfarms, solar plants, airports, railways, roads, and tower structures. We have also provided technical and personal backup at Public Inquiry and An Board Pleanála.
We also produce high quality marketing images with photographic backgrounds. These images while similar to photomontages are specifically created to provide feel for concept and will not have the same rigorous analysis behind them although they will often be far more pleasing images.