360° Degree Virtual Reality Panorama Photography

Virtual reality (VR) has been around for a little while, but right now it is getting more popular by the day. I have been shooting virtual photography for about 3 years and have learned a lot in that time. Some of that I will share with you today.

The gear used to take 360 degree photography

I use is a DSLR Canon Rebel T2i body. The lens is a Sigma 8mm F/3.5 fisheye mounted in portrait fashion to a nodal ninja. Then I mount the camera system to a very sturdy tripod and use a remote control for the shutter, so I don't bump the rig and blur the shots. (I can hide and take photos without being in the shot using the remote.) Photographs are taken in four overlapping sections. Each shot covers 180° which is rotated on the tripod at North South East and West respectively.

The app I use to stitch the pics

After that, it's back to the computer lab, to download all the photos and stitch them together using PTGui pro. This program is designed specifically for stitching individual pictures into one VR photograph. There are a few apps out there, but I prefer PTGui pro because of the advanced features built into the app. It's simple to use one you get over the rather steep learning curve.

*Screen shot PTGui website

Where to post and view VR photography

Now that I have a finished file. It will get retouched, nadir filled in and looking good, it's off to the posting. I use Round.me to post mostly private virtual tours, usually of Real Estate and private property which I can password protect. Most people might be familiar with Google Maps Street View, where 360° degree virtual tours can be seen of businesses, streets and all kinds of other places around the world. Each place I post has it pros and cons, (fee or not, etc.) and there are other places to post VR photography as well. The ones listed above are what I am familiar with and currently use.

• A few VR examples I posted on the website Round.me (clickable)

  • Cannabis dispensary
  • Hydroponic greenhouse
  • Grow store

It's fun, easy and can be rewarding

If you have a DSLR and or a fisheye lens that covers 180° then you are almost there. Some panorama photographers can shoot handheld shots very well, but I recommend a few extra items as I explained above if you're newer like me. Also, PTgui is free to try out, or take a look around as there are other panorama photography apps available. That's it, I have had a good time photographing 360°'s and am excited to shoot more and more locations. Stay tuned for more VR panorama photography! ☺

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