2022
Camera technology on smartphones these days is incredible! I currently use my Samsung's panorama feature, which takes pretty seamless photos. Thanks for the tip about taking a 360 photo through Google Maps. I'm going to have to try that out.
@SonyaN wrote:Of all the amazing photos Local Guides add to Google Maps, 360 photos are often among the most eye-catching. We showcase some of our favorites every #TravelTuesday on our Facebook page, like this look at Russia’s Kaliningrad from above or this stunning view of wisteria in Japan. Love what you see? Here’s how you can get the shot.
To start, while some Local Guides prefer to use DSLR, DSLM, or special 360 cameras, the only gear you need to be able to produce great images is a smartphone and an app with 360 photo capabilities, like the Google Street View app. Don’t believe us? The 360 photo shown below by Local Guide Inumula Vishwam was taken with a smartphone!
Your smartphone 360 photos can be just as stunning if you follow these 7 simple tips:
- Avoid moving objects or people. People or objects in motion may be cut off when the photos are stitched together to create the 360 effect. A completely still environment will always produce better results.
- Start taking your photos focusing slightly away from the most important featurе. This ensures that if the stitching ends up not being perfect it will not affect the area that matters most.
- Shoot vertically rather than horizontally. You’ll be able to cover more ground vertically. Make sure you stay level as you capture each row of photos that make up the full 360.
- Rotate your body around your smartphone and not your smartphone around your body. This is best achieved with the use of a smartphone tripod, but you can achieve a similar effect by holding your smartphone on an imaginary axis up from the ground and pivoting your smartphone on that axis while you shoot without deviating from it. Don’t move your device up or down either, instead tilt it to keep your photos level.
- Distance is your friend. Objects in close proximity to your smartphone while shooting may cause stitching errors. If you’re inside, position yourself as far away from any walls or objects as possible. Keep in mind that 360 photography with a smartphone is best in open spaces, so a 360 photo is more likely to turn out well when shot outside.
- Consider the lighting and go slow. Capturing good photos is largely dependent on the amount of available light. Sunsets might look pretty, but if the sun is below the horizon or there are a lot of dark shadows in your shots, your photos may come out blurry. Consider shooting your 360 photos when there is better light available. If you do choose to shoot in lower light, keeping very still while shooting can help combat blurriness.
- Mind your feet. Stepping back from your smartphone a foot while shooting the bottom row of photos will ensure that your feet are not visible. Make sure not to move your phone while you step back.
Finally, remember to keep practicing! The more 360 photos you shoot, the better you’ll get. You can even share your best 360s on Street View with the Google Street View app, and once you publish 50 approved photos, you’ll unlock the ability to be a Google Street View trusted photographer. Learn more about earning the Street View trusted badge here.
Have you already added 360 photos? Show us your favorites in the comments!
Screenshot of 360 photo by Local Guide Inumula Vishwam
