Hi LemonLemon,
It is indeed very different when viewed through the lenses. You have to decide your preference, whether to look nicer in pictures or real life. Often when we are doing scaping for planted tanks, we will ensure it look better in photo, so as to take part in ADA competitions etc. If you prefer it to look better in pictures, you may also have to consider the rock placement (zen, 1/3 rules etc), depth of placements, growth/colors of corals etc.
I still find the tank look horrible in your house..... I am sure it will look better in mine...