Infinite Lux shows how it’s done: Renderings in stock photography

In our search for new trends in royalty-free stock photography, we naturally keep an eye on technical developments as well as social and economic trends. Saying 3D and subsequent renderings would be the “next big thing” in 2021 would probably earn us the reputation of hopeless analog dormice because these topics are anything but brand new. Nevertheless, today we want to talk about the topic of renderings in stock photography.

The run on cryptocurrencies and non-fungible tokens fueled the boom in the tech world and especially the art world, paving the way for the 3D scene to enter the digital mainstream. We also have more and more artists in our community who are creating 3D renderings and submitting them for licensing. So it was only a matter of time before interesting synergies were formed. One example is the duo Infinite Lux, currently making a name for itself in our portfolio.​

From lab to briefing

Infinite Lux is a duo formed by Mareen Fischinger and 3D designer Alexander Limbach, whose work can be found in our portfolio under the synonym Style Photography. As Mareen told us, she had been observing Alex’s work for some time and suggested a test run to him. Since she is used to a clear correlation of protagonists and open space in the image composition from her many medicine and technology productions, she offered the perfect launchpad for the integration of Alexander’s renderings. Together, the two went into the digital lab and gave a new shine to a few older images from a previously produced series. The result was convincing, and the duo Infinite Lux was born.

The big challenge for the team is to combine a 3D world on pixel level with the 2D world of photography and create a look that stays real. Mareen and Alexander tell us that an extended process is required during the briefing. Thus, the two rely on their “thinking together” from the very beginning. Mareen provides the photographic view regarding lens distortion and vanishing point, while Alex has to align his usual three-dimensional freedom of movement with it. So they have to make two worlds compatible with each other—no easy task.

The beginning of this highly creative cooperation was marked by a production from the subject area of medicine and technology. The two have also produced compositions with rendered aerosols next to people in the inner city and glowing bones at the physiotherapist’s office. The results of this combination of photography and graphics have convinced both. In the meantime, the duo has also implemented a production on the topic of social media influencers.

UI, UX, Customer Journey, Medicine, and Digital Natives

In addition to user experience and user journey, images from the medical and tech industries are particularly suitable for implementing 3D renderings. Often, corresponding graphics are installed by specialized agencies and prepared in stock photography merely by inserting free spaces into the image composition. Also a smart idea: Infinite Lux serves interested parties who would like to save this costly interim step but still want to get technically high-quality renderings.

So what is already a strong trend in advertising is now making its way into stock photography, moving closer to the root of production. We believe that there is still largely untapped potential here. Infinite Lux have recognized this, and we are glad that they are enriching our portfolio with their creations. This is definitely a topic we have to stay on top of.

And the cooperation described here is another good example of how inspiring the constant creative exchange between photographers in our community can be.