Taking the perfect photo for accurate rendering

Getting a highly accurate visualization starts with a great source photo. While our rendering engine is robust, feeding it a high-quality image ensures the fastest turnaround times and the most realistic shadows.

1. Shoot straight on Stand directly in front of the elevation you want to render. Avoid taking photos from severe angles, as this can distort the perspective of siding panels and brick patterns.

2. Watch the lighting The best time to take a photo is during overcast days or when the sun is behind you, illuminating the house. Harsh, direct shadows covering half the home can sometimes confuse the engine. If one side of the house is entirely in shadow, try taking a separate photo of that specific side when the light changes.

3. Clear obstructions Before snapping the photo, move garbage cans, parked cars, or any other temporary objects blocking the lower half of the walls. Trees and permanent landscaping are perfectly fine—the engine will accurately render the house behind the branches.

4. Frame the entire house Make sure the entire roofline and foundation are visible in the frame. Do not zoom in too closely. Leaving a little bit of sky and lawn around the edges helps the engine understand the scale and context of the home.