With an ordinary photo, the photographer chooses what's in the frame. With 360°, the frame is the whole room: floor, ceiling and the space behind the camera. A little preparation makes a big difference.
A week before
- Agree the list of rooms and areas to capture, and the order.
- Tell staff, residents or tenants the date and time.
- Book any areas that are normally in use, such as a hall or a show flat.
- Fix what's broken: blown bulbs, stuck blinds, damaged furniture.
- Arrange access to every room, including keys and security clearance.
The day before
- Clean everything, including floors, mirrors and glass. The camera picks up marks.
- Clear surfaces. Keep a few tasteful items, but remove paperwork, cables and personal items.
- Hide bins, cleaning supplies and laundry.
- Make beds neatly and straighten cushions and curtains.
- Check every light works and use the same bulb colour within a room if you can.
On the day
- Turn on all the lights, including lamps and under-cabinet lights.
- Open blinds and curtains evenly.
- Switch off TVs and screens, or show your own branded slide.
- Close toilet lids and wardrobe doors. Open internal doors between rooms.
- Move cars away from the entrance and keep outdoor areas clear.
- Keep people and pets out of the room being captured. In 360°, there's nowhere to hide.
Extra tips by type of space
Homes and show flats
Stage it like a magazine shoot: fresh flowers, a bowl of fruit, towels folded in the bathroom. Less is more.
Hotels
Choose rooms that are free, make them up to guest standard and shoot public areas at quiet times. See our guide for hotels.
Schools
Shoot during a holiday or after classes. Tidy classroom displays and keep notice boards up to date.
Offices
Clear desks, push chairs in and switch monitors to a company screensaver.
Hospitals and clinics
Agree areas and times with management so patient privacy and operations aren't affected. Remove anything showing patient information.
Construction sites
Agree a safe route with the site manager, provide PPE requirements in advance and pick a stage of work that shows clear progress.
What we bring
Our team brings the camera, tripod and lighting know-how, and works around your schedule. We'll send a short preparation note before the shoot and walk the route with you on the day.