How to prepare a location for 360-degree photography

Decide which spaces you really need

Start with the purpose of the tour. What should customers, job applicants or visitors have seen by the end? Then list the spaces needed to tell that story. Include places that explain the company or process. A tour that only shows the prettiest corners does not tell the whole story.

A short, focused selection makes the tour easier to follow and reduces the preparation work.

Walk through the route yourself

Look at the location as if you were entering it for the first time. Does the route between spaces make sense? Will the doors be open and the spaces available at the agreed time? If there are several buildings or floors, decide in advance how visitors will move from one part of the tour to another.

Whiteboards, number plates and screens: no need to worry

We blur details such as a price list on a whiteboard, a password on a screen or a number plate in the car park as standard during editing. You do not need to prepare or check the location especially for this. If there is something specific you want us to hide, let us know so we can take it into account during the shoot. You can read more about our approach in privacy in a virtual tour.

Make sure the space looks right

This is where some preparation is needed. Remove Christmas decorations, Easter displays and advertising tied to a particular season before the shoot. A tour can stay online for years, and seasonal decorations will make it look dated very quickly.

The same rule applies as with any shoot: boxes, loose cables and clutter should not be in view. The location does not need to be empty. Work materials and machines help show how the company operates. As long as everything looks tidy, that is fine.

Avoid scaffolding and visible building work

Is the building covered in scaffolding, or is visible building work still underway? Plan the shoot for after the work is finished, or move it to a later date. Scaffolding, site fencing and unfinished spaces cannot be fixed afterwards and will remain visible in the tour.

Staff: keep them out of shot or dress them correctly

Do you prefer not to show staff in the tour? We can plan the shoot for a quiet time or photograph each space without people present. That is easy to arrange and requires no further preparation.

If staff will be in view because work continues during the shoot, make sure they wear the correct clothing and required safety equipment, such as a helmet or safety vest. We cannot change this afterwards.

Arrange access, lighting and keys

Make sure someone is there with the right keys or access passes, and check that the lighting works. Decide which doors should be open or closed during the shoot. For machinery or equipment, we agree in advance what may be visible and what may be running.

One contact person keeps things moving

Having one contact person on the day saves time. They can open rooms, answer practical questions and decide whether something may be shown. A shoot usually takes a few hours to a full day, depending on the location and number of spaces.

Checklist for the day of the shoot

• The main spaces and route have been agreed.
• The spaces are tidy and accessible.
• Seasonal and unnecessary decorations have been removed.
• There is no visible scaffolding or building work.
• It is clear whether staff will be in view.
• Staff who will be in view have the correct clothing and safety equipment.
• Lighting and access have been checked.
• One contact person will be present.

Preparing a shoot at your location

Before every shoot, we discuss what is needed. You do not have to make all the technical choices yourself, and we can plan around a location where work continues as usual. Tell us briefly about the location and the purpose of the tour. We will give you focused advice and an initial price estimate.