Interior designers often ask whether they should invest in renders or in a photographer. The honest answer is that they do different jobs, and many studios use both.
Before anything is built
If the space does not exist yet, a render is the only way to show it. It lets clients approve layouts, finishes and lighting while changes are still cheap.
Comparing options
Once a 3D scene exists, swapping a sofa fabric or a floor finish is quick. Doing the same with photography means restyling the room and reshooting.
After completion
For portfolio images of finished work, photography captures the real result, including details that are hard to model. It is also evidence that a project was delivered.
Using both
A common pattern is to use renders throughout design and sales, then commission photography once the project is complete. Matching camera angles makes the before-and-after story especially strong.