If you are applying for a patent for invention or utility model, you don't need a physical photo. As long as the specification and drawings can clearly express the technical scheme of the invention. The attached drawings can be schematic diagrams or other forms of pictures.
If you apply for a patent for appearance, you need pictures or photos of the products that need to be protected. Therefore, if you can clearly express the same appearance as the real thing with a three-dimensional simulation diagram, it is ok.