[daenz]

I'm not aware of any photographer-centric photorealistic 3d apps, but that sounds like a potential niche business! Might be worth exploring.

[ISeemToBeAVerb]

I have a plugin for Cinema 4D called "HDRI Studio Kit" that is basically a set of predefined studio lights and lighting setups. Makes it very simple to light objects using traditional photographic methods. You have various tent setups, soft-boxes, umbrella lights, etc...