Photorealism is a term used to describe artwork that is created using methods other than photography in order to achieve a realistic appearance similar to that of a photograph. This is usually done with paint and pencil on paper or canvas, with special attention to highlights and shadows to produce incredibly realistic work. Some artists have used two-dimensional (2D) computer software to create completely artificial still images that resemble photographs in terms of realism. Many artists who use three-dimensional (3D) software to create objects and scenes for films and advertisements strive for photorealism as well.
Photorealism can be achieved in a variety of ways, though it is frequently dependent on visual details such as reflections, highlights, and shadows. These are all aspects of an image that a person naturally perceives in an unconscious manner and can quickly indicate that something in the image is “wrong” or “off.” For example, a painter working on canvas must be aware of how natural light creates highlights and shadows on various objects. Surface reflectivity is also important for photorealism in a painting or similar work, because objects naturally reflect a certain amount of light in subtle ways.
Even if the medium they use adds artificiality to the image, artists working in ink or pencil can strive for photorealism. Someone might notice a blue ink drawing that resembles a photograph that has been manipulated through the meticulous use of detail. The use of intense shadows and highlights in charcoal and pencil drawings can achieve a level of photorealism that makes the image appear similar to a black and white photograph.
Various digital mediums are frequently used to achieve photorealism, which can be done in a variety of ways. Illustration programs that are two-dimensional, or 2D, can be used to create images that are incredibly detailed and realistic. This is frequently accomplished using software that generates vector images, which are based on geometry and shapes rather than pixels and light or color points.
3D or three-dimensional computer graphics (CG) programs are also used in movies, television shows, and video games. Artists can use this type of software to create a virtual environment that can be animated with various shapes, objects, and scenes. These scenes are frequently created with great care and attention to detail in order to achieve a remarkable level of photorealism. Lighting shadows, reflections across multiple surfaces, and other elements are all studied and used to create a scene that looks like it was captured on film.