Preparing Your Space for 360 Photos and 3D Scanning
You have booked your virtual tour and want your space to look its best. Our 360 cameras capture everything in every direction, and viewers can zoom in to examine details. A well-prepared space looks brighter, clearer and more welcoming, helping people feel confident and familiar before they visit.
If you would like to see examples of spaces prepared well, view our recent projects here:
https://360-view.eu/projects/
Access: make sure we can get in
Please make sure someone is on site when we arrive. We usually arrive 5 to 10 minutes early to walk the space and plan the route. Let reception or security know we are expected, and have any keys or access codes ready. Clear access helps the session start smoothly.
Other activity: avoid interruptions
If there are contractors, cleaners, maintenance teams or deliveries planned, please coordinate timing so they are not working in the same areas we will be capturing. This avoids delays and helps the session run efficiently.
Movement: avoid people in the tour
Our 360 cameras capture everything around them. Movement can cause ghosting, blur, or the same person appearing twice in a single panorama. Ideally, the space should be empty of people during capture for a natural viewing experience.
If the property must remain active, please brief staff in advance. Coordinate the flow of people and temporarily restrict access to the areas being captured. Temporary signs such as 360 Capture in Progress Please Wait can help prevent interruptions.
Entrance: clear the front area
The entrance is often the first thing people see online. Keep it clean and open. Remove bins, storage or temporary items near the door. If possible, move vehicles away from the entrance so the building is clearly visible. If parking is directly outside, you may wish to hold spaces temporarily until we complete the exterior.
Flow: keep doors open
Keep internal doors open so the tour shows how rooms connect naturally. Fire doors that must remain shut can be opened briefly while we photograph that area, then closed again right away. Only close doors for rooms that should not appear in the tour. Open routes help viewers navigate the space easily.
Lighting: turn everything on
Turn on all lights throughout the space. Replace dim or flickering bulbs. Open blinds where natural light improves the room. Good, even lighting makes the space feel brighter, warmer and more consistent from room to room.
Screens: make the space feel alive
Screens help the space look real and in-use rather than empty. If possible, keep screens on and display a still image that represents your business. For example, a dental clinic may use a still frame from a services video. Avoid moving video, as it can blur or freeze mid-frame. A simple, intentional image feels welcoming and considered.
Privacy: hide anything sensitive
Check that documents, screens, noticeboards, temporary instructions, staff materials or personal items are not visible. These can draw attention away from the space and make it feel busy or unorganised. Ensure walkways are clear, so we can move through safely and smoothly.
Decluttering: remove distractions
Remove items that do not need to appear in the tour such as boxes, packaging, tools, paperwork or personal belongings. The aim is not to empty the space, but to ensure everything visible feels intentional and part of the environment.
Cleaning: clean the space throughout
The camera captures the entire room at once, and small marks are noticeable. Wipe surfaces, mirrors, windows and glass panels. Check floors for dust or footprints. A quick clean makes the final imagery feel clear and professional.
Staging: tidy and align furniture and décor
Arrange the space so it feels calm and welcoming. Align chairs and tables, straighten frames or signage, and tidy cushions, curtains or displays. Small adjustments create a polished and well-cared-for feel.
Final check: quick walk before we begin
Just before we start, take your final walk through.
Lights on. Doors open. Personal items removed. Furniture aligned.
This small final step helps the space look clear, confident and ready on camera.
Frequently Asked Questions About Preparing for a Virtual Tour
How should I stage my space before the virtual tour?
Show your space as you would to an important guest. Keep it clean, uncluttered, and bright. Add a few personal touches like plants or lighting to make it look inviting and true to your brand.
Do I need to be present during the virtual tour capture?
For most projects, it helps if someone is on site to unlock rooms and assist if needed. For smaller spaces, you do not have to stay for the whole session, but please remain reachable during the capture.
Can staff or customers appear in the virtual tour?
We usually recommend keeping the space empty, as movement can cause blur or duplication in 360 images. If you’d like to include people intentionally, we can plan a few specific shots to feature staff in a natural, professional way.
How long does a virtual tour shoot take to complete?
A small shop or office normally takes 30 to 60 minutes. Large venues or multi-floor properties can take several hours. We confirm the expected duration when you book.
How long does a virtual tour shoot take?
Timing depends on the size and complexity of your space. A small shop or office usually takes 30–60 minutes, while larger venues or multi-floor buildings can take several hours. We’ll confirm the estimated time before your booking.
Can staff or customers appear in my virtual tour?
We recommend keeping the space clear. Moving people can appear more than once in a 360° image. If you want staff included, we can plan a few intentional shots during the session.
Do you move furniture or décor during the virtual tour shoot?
No. We capture each space exactly as it is when we arrive. Please arrange furniture, displays, and decorations in advance so the space is ready for scanning or photography.
Should I open blinds or curtains during the virtual tour?
Natural light usually improves results, but if sunlight creates glare or dark shadows, we may adjust blinds or lighting on site. The goal is even, balanced light in every scene.
Can I keep branding signs and posters visible in my virtual tour?
Yes, as long as they represent your business and are up to date. Remove temporary notices or outdated materials that might make the virtual tour look old later.
What if some parts of my building are private or restricted?
You can decide which areas to include. Please tell us before we start scanning which rooms or sections should remain private, and we will plan the capture accordingly.
What happens if the weather is bad on the day of the virtual tour?
Cloudy weather is fine, but heavy rain or strong wind can affect outdoor images. If conditions are poor, we can reschedule your session at no extra cost.
How can I make sure my property looks its best on camera for the virtual tour?
Clean thoroughly, reduce clutter, and align furniture neatly. Check that lighting works, screens display relevant content, and doors are open between rooms. These small details make your tour look professional and engaging.
