Use household lights, clamp on lights, to mimic your 3d environmental lighting. Use something in front of a light to diffuse (make light not so strong as bare bulb) like a sheet, or pillow case for stronger effect. Use white cards (like posterboard) to 'bounce' light and reduce shadows.
Making the transition from 3d to photography is a matter of imagination (real world style).

Maybe you could post an image of what you are trying to accomplish and some images of where you are at with it.

Thomas