how to make 360 degree photo

How to Make a 360-Degree Photo

360-degree photography is changing the way we capture and experience spaces. Whether you’re a photographer looking to expand your creative toolkit or a real estate agent aiming to create immersive virtual tours, learning how to make a 360-degree photo can give you a serious competitive edge.

If you’re ready to dive in, platforms like www.threesixty.tours make it easy to host and share your 360-degree creations. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know—from picking the right gear to editing and publishing your final image.

Let’s get started.

I. Introduction

360-degree photography—also known as spherical photography—lets viewers explore a scene in every direction: up, down, and all around. Unlike regular photos that capture a single angle, 360-degree images pull the viewer into an immersive experience.

This format is especially popular in:

• Real estate: Buyers can tour a home virtually.
• Tourism: Travelers can preview a destination.
• Event planning: Planners can showcase venues in full detail.

For photographers, 360-degree imagery opens up a whole new world of creative possibilities. It challenges traditional composition and lets you tell stories in a completely new way.

Thanks to platforms like www.threesixty.tours, sharing your 360-degree photos is easier than ever. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, you’ll find tools and templates designed to help you succeed.

Here’s a quick overview of the process:

• Choose the right tools and equipment.
• Prepare your environment and settings.
• Capture the images.
• Stitch and edit the photos.
• Export and share your final image.

Let’s break it down step by step.

II. Tools and Equipment

To capture a great 360-degree photo, you’ll need the right gear. The good news? There’s something for every skill level and budget.

A. Camera Options

1. Dedicated 360-Degree Cameras:
   These are the easiest and most popular tools for capturing spherical images. Top models include the Insta360 One X2, Ricoh Theta Z1, and GoPro MAX. These cameras have dual lenses that capture everything around them in one click.
2. Smartphone Apps:
   If you’re just getting started, apps like Google Street View and Panorama 360 let you create 360-degree photos using your phone. They guide you through capturing overlapping images and stitch them together automatically.
3. DSLR or Mirrorless Cameras:
   If you want maximum control and image quality, a DSLR or mirrorless camera with a panoramic tripod head is the way to go. This setup captures high-resolution images that are ideal for commercial or artistic use.

However, it does require more time and skill—especially during the stitching phase.

B. Tripods and Stabilization Tools

A stable setup is key to getting a clean 360-degree image. Use a tripod with a panoramic head for consistent angles and overlap. For mobile users, a selfie stick with a tripod base can work too.

Some 360 cameras offer built-in stabilization, which helps reduce motion blur and keeps your shots crisp.

C. Software for Stitching and Editing

1. Stitching Software:
   If you’re using a DSLR or taking multiple photos, you’ll need software to stitch them together. Popular options include PTGui, Hugin, and Adobe Photoshop. PTGui is a favorite among pros for its precision and flexibility.
2. Mobile Apps:
   Apps like Google Street View automatically stitch your images on the phone. They’re simple and fast, but offer less control over the final result.

Threesixty.tours supports a variety of image formats, so no matter which tools you use, your photos will be compatible with the platform.

III. Preparing for the Shoot

Before you start snapping photos, it’s important to prepare. A little planning goes a long way toward getting a clean, professional-looking 360-degree image.

A. Choose the Right Environment and Time

1. Lighting:
   Natural light is your best friend. Shoot during golden hour—shortly after sunrise or before sunset—for soft, even lighting. Avoid harsh midday sun, which can create blown-out highlights and deep shadows.
2. Clean the Scene:
   Remember, a 360-degree photo captures everything. Remove clutter, personal items, or anything that might distract from the scene. For real estate, make sure the space is staged and lights are working.

B. Set Camera Settings

1. Manual Settings:
   Use manual settings to lock in white balance, ISO, and shutter speed. This keeps your exposures consistent and makes stitching easier later on.
2. Maximize Resolution:
   Always shoot at the highest resolution your camera allows. This ensures your final image looks sharp, especially on large screens or VR headsets.

C. Plan Your Composition

1. Central Positioning:
   Place your camera in the center of the room or space. This creates a balanced perspective and helps viewers understand the layout.
2. Overlap:
   If you’re taking multiple shots manually, aim for at least 30% overlap between each image. This helps the stitching software align everything accurately.

Taking the time to prep your shoot will save you hours in editing—and lead to better results.

IV. Capturing the 360-Degree Photo

Now that everything’s set, it’s time to capture your image. The process will vary depending on your gear.

A. Using a 360 Camera

1. Set up your tripod and level the camera.
2. Connect your camera to its app for live preview and settings control.
3. Adjust ISO, shutter speed, and white balance.
4. Hit the shutter button via the app or on the camera.
5. Some models auto-stitch the image; others require post-processing.

These cameras are great for real estate agents who need to move quickly from room to room.

B. Using a Smartphone or DSLR

1. Take overlapping shots as you rotate the camera horizontally.
2. Keep the camera level and rotate around the nodal point to avoid parallax.
3. Use a remote shutter or timer to minimize shake.

C. Tips for Better Shots

• Avoid moving objects—they can cause stitching errors.
• Use a bubble level to keep your shots straight.
• Turn on all lights for even indoor lighting.

Practice makes perfect. Don’t worry if your first few tries aren’t flawless. You’ll get better with each shoot.

V. Editing and Stitching the Photos

This is where your image comes to life. Editing and stitching can seem intimidating, but we’ll walk you through it.

A. Transfer Your Files

Use a USB cable, memory card reader, or app to move your images to your computer or phone. Organize your files by project to keep things tidy.

B. Stitch the Images

1. Use your camera’s software or a third-party tool like PTGui or Hugin.
2. Align overlapping images.
3. Blend them into a seamless panorama.

For smartphone users, apps like Google Street View do this automatically.

C. Edit for Quality

1. Color Correction:
   Use Lightroom or Photoshop to adjust brightness, contrast, and color balance. This ensures your image looks consistent from edge to edge.
2. Clean Up:
   Use healing tools to remove tripods, people, or shadows. In real estate, this makes your images look more polished and professional.

D. Export the Final Image

Save your image in equirectangular format (2:1 ratio). Export as a high-resolution JPEG or PNG.

Once your image is ready, upload it to www.threesixty.tours. The platform makes it easy to create interactive virtual tours and share them with clients or audiences.

VI. Sharing and Hosting Your 360-Degree Photo

Once your photo is edited and exported, it’s time to share it with the world.

A. Upload to Threesixty.tours

Visit www.threesixty.tours and create an account if you haven’t already. Upload your image and use the platform’s tools to add hotspots, floor plans, or navigation menus.

B. Embed and Share

You can embed your tour on your website, share it on social media, or send a direct link to clients. Threesixty.tours makes it simple to showcase your work professionally.

C. Optimize for SEO

Make sure to add relevant titles, descriptions, and tags to your tour. This helps it get discovered in search engines and increases your visibility online.

VII. Conclusion

Creating a 360-degree photo is easier than you might think—and incredibly rewarding. Whether you’re a photographer exploring new creative ground or a real estate agent looking to boost engagement, this format delivers.

To recap:

• Choose the right camera and software.
• Prepare your environment and settings.
• Capture your images carefully.
• Stitch and edit with precision.
• Upload and share on www.threesixty.tours.

Need more inspiration or help? Visit the Threesixty.tours blog for tutorials, case studies, and community tips.

Ready to start your journey into 360-degree photography? Explore the tools on www.threesixty.tours and bring your spaces to life in a whole new way.

For more insights into the power of immersive media, check out this guide from PetaPixel on how 360-degree photos are transforming real estate marketing: https://petapixel.com/360-real-estate-photos-guide.

If you’re curious about how virtual tours can boost engagement and sales, this article from Matterport breaks it down: https://matterport.com/blog/why-virtual-tours-are-future-real-estate-marketing.

Start capturing your world in 360 degrees—and share it with confidence on www.threesixty.tours.