How to Get Started With 360 Product Photography

360 product photography has been gaining popularity over the last few years. It is a technique that can be used to promote products and services with an interactive, immersive experience for your visitors. This article will teach you everything you need to know about 360 product photography: what it is, why you should use it, and how to go about doing so successfully!

What is 360 product photography? 

360 Product Photography is a technique that allows you to photograph a product in all directions at once. This results in a 360 degree view of the product that can be interacted with and explored by the viewer.

Why should you use 360 Photos?

360 Product Photos Help Sell More Products

360 product photography can help increase visitor duration on your website by up to 32%. This is because it provides an interactive, immersive experience for your visitors that allows them to explore your products in all directions. 360 product photography can also help increase customer trust and satisfaction by up to 50%. Resulting in a 5-35% conversion increase.

360 Product Photos Help Reduce Product Returns

360 product photography can help reduce the return rates of products by 15% to 50% because it allows customers to see the product from all angles before they make a purchase.

What is the difference between 3D and 360 product photography?

The main difference between 360 and 3D photography is that 360 photography captures the entire product in a single photograph, while 3D adds an extra dimension to the photograph so that you can view the product from all angles.

How to achieve 360 Product Photography on your own

There are a few ways in which you can achieve 360 product photography on your own:

• Use a 360 Camera: If you want to achieve 360 product photography on your own, one of the easiest ways to do so is by using a 360 camera. These cameras are designed specifically for taking 360 photos and allow you to capture high-quality images of your products without any complex setup
• 360 Product Photography Turntables: These are devices that you can place your product on and rotate it to capture all sides of the product in a single photo.

DIY Turntables – Cake stand | Ikea Snood & Stitching software

If you want to create a 360 photo without using a 360 camera, you can use stitching software to combine multiple photos into a 360 image. There are many different types of stitching software available, but some of the most popular ones include Autodesk 360, 360 Photo Studio, and 360 Product Viewer. 

Simply take numerous shots of the product as it turns on a single axis.

Types of 360 Photography spin

Single row spins

Single row spins are when you take a 360 photo by rotating the product around a single axis. This results in a 360-degree view of the product, but it can sometimes cause distortion if the product is not perfectly round. It’s are best for products with a lot of detail or complex shapes.

Multi-row spins

Multi-row spins are when you take multiple 360 photos of the product from different angles and stitch them together to create a 360 photo. This is the best type of 360 product photography because it eliminates any distortion that may occur from a single-row spin. Multiple row spins are best for products that have a cylindrical shape or can be easily divided into multiple parts.

Twin-axis spins

Twin-axis spins are similar to single row spins, but they use two axes to rotate the product. This results in a 360 photo that is less distorted and easier to navigate than a single-row spin. Twin-axis 360 photos are best for products with a lot of detail or complex shapes. 

360 Product Photography Tips

Now that you know the basics of 360 product photography, here are my pro tips for beginners:

Center your subject

When you’re taking 360 product photos, it’s important to center your subject in the frame. This will ensure that your photo is balanced and looks good when it’s rotated.

Use a tripod

If you’re using a 360 camera or a turntable to take 360 photos, it’s important to use a tripod so that the camera doesn’t move during the shot. This will help ensure that your photos are in focus and free of any distortion.

Avoid reflections

If you’re taking 360 product photos outdoors, make sure to avoid reflective surfaces (like water or glass) as they will cause glare in your photo. Instead, try shooting in a shady area or use a diffuser to reduce the amount of glare in your photo.

Remove background distractions

When you’re taking 360 product photos, it’s important to remove any distractions from the background so that the focus is on the product. This can be done by using a backdrop or by editing out the background in post-production.

Aperture matters

Balancing your aperture and depth of field is important because while you want to separate your subject from the background, you also want to make sure that the entire product is in focus. You can do this by adjusting your aperture and focal length to find the right balance. I’d personally found F8-F11 a great place to start.

Include context

When you’re taking 360 product photos, it’s important to include some context so that people know what the product is used for. This can be done by adding a background or by using props to show how the product is used. 

Batch editing is a must

If you intend to create a 360 video or stitching software, then consistent editing is a must. The easiest way to do this is either in Adobe Lightroom.

How to create a 360 video from photos

There are two main ways to create 360 videos:

The simple but expensive way to this is to use stitching software like Autopano Video, 360 Photo Studio or Spinzam. I personally prefer 244 frames at 30fps, which gives me a good 360 video with no distortion, however, it is completely up to you on what you choose.

To create a 360 video from photos, you’ll need to first batch edit them so that they are all the same size and have the same exposure settings. Once they’re all edited, upload them into your chosen photography software and stitch them together.

Alternatively, you can use something like Canva to create a video the 360 spin of the product.

I hope this guide has helped you to understand 360 product photography and given you some tips on how to get started. If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below or contact me directly. I’d be happy to help!