We did the shooting on one for a company many years ago, and we based our quote on an hourly rate with a "soft" estimate of shooting time required, plus a license for image use. We didn't do the programming required to turn the collection of images into the 360 degree tours needed by the client. It turns out we had the easy part of the job, as hard as we worked. The software available must be better today, but way back in the dark ages the programmer paid pure hell pulling together the finished product.
One thing worth passing on in terms of doing it professionally: Don't be tempted to cut your hourly rate for shooting. To do it right you're going to be investing lots of un-reimbursed hours consulting and planning with your clients. If you're shooting indoors, count on serious lighting challenges if windows, indoor light sources and strobes are involved. You'll either need to overcome color temp differences at the time of shooting or do so in post-processing, whether reimbursed or not.
Posted by Nathan Cooper on July 12, 2009 at 11:58 PM
Thanks Hank. Software largely makes it pretty easy now. I actually just got finished doing the job yesterday. Took photos for about an hour (for two tours) and then spent the next 7 hours watching my computer process the images. Luckily, I don't have to do a whole lot while the computer works. I'm sure I undercharged the guy, but I needed the money, and now have got some more work from him for an apartment complex.
I've been able to get around the lighting challenges by using HDR. So I process all the individual shots with Photomatix, stitch them together with PTGui, and the make the Tour using MakeCubic (a free program). First time I've really done it but the results were pretty good. The customer was happy at least.
You can find it here if anyone is interested......
HDR sounds like a great solution Nathan, and thanks. I'm going to try it on some upcoming jobs. Quite a good alternative to gelling lights and windows, especially when they're out of reach.
I use ambient light, a tripod, bracketed exposures and HDR for all my interior realty shoots, Nathan, and I really like how that all turns out.
I'll have to look into the other programs you've mentioned. It'll add a pretty cool dimension for realty clients, and in this stagnant market, it's even more important for Realtors to distinguish their properties from the "other guys."
Discussion
4 repliesI've got some customers interested in having virtual tours made of their home or business. Problem is I'm not sure how much to charge. Any thoughts?
One thing worth passing on in terms of doing it professionally: Don't be tempted to cut your hourly rate for shooting. To do it right you're going to be investing lots of un-reimbursed hours consulting and planning with your clients. If you're shooting indoors, count on serious lighting challenges if windows, indoor light sources and strobes are involved. You'll either need to overcome color temp differences at the time of shooting or do so in post-processing, whether reimbursed or not.
I've been able to get around the lighting challenges by using HDR. So I process all the individual shots with Photomatix, stitch them together with PTGui, and the make the Tour using MakeCubic (a free program). First time I've really done it but the results were pretty good. The customer was happy at least.
You can find it here if anyone is interested......
http://www.mediafire.com/file/3tymzzmdlyw/Sample.mov
I'll have to look into the other programs you've mentioned. It'll add a pretty cool dimension for realty clients, and in this stagnant market, it's even more important for Realtors to distinguish their properties from the "other guys."