Good 360 degree real estate photos come from consistent camera height, careful placement in each room, even lighting and a quick check of stitching before you leave. Follow the same routine in every room and the tour will feel smooth to the viewer. The numbers below are general guidance to adjust for your camera and property.
Prepare the Property
A 360 camera sees everything, so there is nowhere to hide clutter. Prepare the space before you set up.
- Turn on all lights and open blinds so rooms look bright and consistent.
- Tidy surfaces, close cabinet doors and remove personal items.
- Turn off ceiling fans and televisions to avoid blur and reflections.
- Plan where you will stand during the shot, since you must be out of view.
Camera Height and Placement
Keep the lens at a steady height in every room. A common range to try first is roughly chest to eye level, about 1.2 to 1.5 meters, though some shooters go lower for small spaces. Consistency matters more than the exact number.
- Place the camera near the center of the room, or at a spot that shows the main features.
- Stay roughly one to two meters away from walls and large furniture to limit stitching problems.
- Level the tripod with its built-in bubble, since a tilted camera makes lines lean.
- Trigger the shot with a phone app or timer, then step out of the room or behind a door.
- Capture the room, then move to the next spot without changing height.
Lighting and Exposure
Windows are the hardest part. A 360 view often shows bright windows and dark corners in the same frame. If your camera supports bracketed exposures or an HDR mode, use it for rooms with strong window light. Otherwise, shoot on a softly overcast day or when the sun is not directly in the window.
Check the Stitch
Stitching is where the camera joins its lenses into one image. After each shot, zoom in on the seam areas and check close objects such as door frames and counters.
- Look for bent edges, doubled lines or missing pieces.
- Check the floor beneath the tripod and fill it with a logo or patch if the software allows.
- Reshoot when a problem is clear, since it is faster than fixing it later.
Order and Tour Flow
| Step | Tip |
|---|---|
| First shot | Begin at the main entrance |
| Flow | Move room to room in a logical path |
| Links | Connect points with hotspots in your tour software |
| Naming | Label each room clearly |
FAQ
How many 360 shots do I need per room?
One is often enough for small rooms. Large open spaces may need two or three so viewers can move naturally.
Should I use a tripod?
Yes. A tripod keeps height steady and the camera level, which supports a clean, consistent tour.
The Short Version
Prepare the property, keep one camera height, place the camera centrally, watch the windows and check each stitch. A repeatable routine gives you tidy tours in less time.
