What Happens During a 360 Photography Shoot
From the photographer's van to a live tour: what actually happens on the day.
Service and Format Guides · 5 August 2026 · 2 min read
Written by the Biztour team - Google Trusted Photographers since 2013.
If you've never had a virtual tour shot before, it's a reasonable thing to feel uncertain about: a photographer in your space, equipment you don't recognise, a process you can't picture. Here's what actually happens, from the plan we agree beforehand to the moment the camera stops.
None of it requires you to prepare anything unusual. It's closer to a normal visit than most people expect.
- A shoot plan is agreed before the day, built around your scene count and opening hours
- Each scene is one fixed 360 capture point, worked through in sequence
- Staff and customers don't need to leave, the space stays live around the shoot
- The photographer leaves with the images, not a finished tour, that comes after
Before the day: the plan
We agree a scene count and rough schedule before anyone arrives, from a floor plan, photos, or a quick call describing the space. This is also when we confirm timing around your opening hours, so the shoot fits your business rather than interrupting it.
On the day: scene by scene
The photographer sets up a tripod-mounted 360 camera at each agreed viewpoint and captures the scene, then moves to the next. For a small space this might be six or eight stops; for a larger site with distinct zones, several more. Lights are checked, clutter is moved where needed, and each scene is reviewed on the spot before moving on, not caught as a problem days later.
Staff and customers don't need to clear out. Most shoots happen around a trading business exactly as normal, the photographer works round what's genuinely there.
After the camera stops
The photographer leaves with the raw captures, not a finished tour. Stitching each scene into a smooth walk-through, quality control and publishing to Google or Matterport happens afterwards, which is why delivery takes 4 to 10 working days rather than being instant.
You'll get the live tour link, embed code and any images agreed as part of the package once it's published, ready to add to your Business Profile and website.
Questions people ask
Do we need to close or clear the space for the shoot?
No. Shoots are planned around your opening hours and trading times as standard. A few people or a bit of natural activity in shot does no harm, it often looks more genuine than an empty room.
What should we tidy before the photographer arrives?
Anything you'd tidy before a customer walked in: surfaces clear, signage current, lights working. See our full pre-shoot checklist for the complete list.
How many people does the shoot need from us?
Usually none beyond letting the photographer in and out. For larger or multi-zone sites, having one point of contact on hand speeds things up, but it's not required.
360 virtual tours for every kind of business
Over a decade of shooting means we've worked in almost every kind of space. Find yours to see what a tour does for your industry.
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