360° Image Series Guidelines for Photographers

Owned by Olivier Grenet
Sept 23, 2024
2 min read

To ensure consistency and optimal performance of 360° product image players within the Wedia Digital Asset Management (DAM) system, please adhere to the following technical specifications when capturing and preparing your image series.

1. Image Dimensions

  • Resolution: Each image should have a maximum resolution of 2000 x 2000 pixels. This ensures high-quality visuals that can be effectively zoomed and viewed across various devices. A resolution of 1000 x 1000 pixels is often a good compromise between size and quality.

  • Maximum Size: While high resolution is preferred, individual image file sizes should not exceed 0.3 MB to optimize loading times and storage efficiency.

2. Aspect Ratio

  • Standard Ratio: Maintain a 1:1 (square) aspect ratio for all images. This uniformity is crucial for seamless rotation and alignment in the 360° viewer.

  • Consistency: Ensure that all images in the series maintain the exact aspect ratio to prevent distortion or misalignment during rotation.

3. Image Format

  • Preferred Formats: Use JPEG for general purposes due to its balance between quality and file size.

  • Color Profile: Utilize the sRGB color profile to ensure color consistency across different devices and browsers.

4. Number of Images

  • Complete Rotation: A full 360° rotation typically requires 24 to 36 images, depending on the desired smoothness.

    • 24 Images: Offers a balance between smoothness and file size, with each image representing a 15° increment.

    • 36 Images: Provides smoother rotation with each image at a 10° increment.

  • Recommendation: For most applications, 24 images are sufficient to create a fluid rotation effect without excessive file sizes.

5. Image Capture Specifications

  • Camera Setup:

    • Use a tripod to maintain consistent camera positioning throughout the series.

    • Employ a remote shutter release or timer to minimize camera shake.

  • Lighting:

    • Use consistent, diffuse lighting to eliminate shadows and reflections.

    • Avoid direct sunlight or harsh light sources that can create hotspots or uneven lighting.

  • Background:

    • Utilize a plain, neutral background (preferably white or light gray) to ensure the product stands out and to facilitate easy editing if needed.

  • Focus and Exposure:

    • Set manual focus and manual exposure to maintain consistency across all images.

    • Ensure the product is sharp and well-lit in every shot.

6. Post-Processing Guidelines

  • Editing:

    • Apply consistent color correction and white balance across all images to maintain uniformity.

    • Remove any blemishes or distractions from the background while preserving the product's natural appearance.

  • Cropping and Alignment:

    • Ensure that the product is centrally aligned in each image.

    • Maintain consistent cropping to prevent shifts during rotation.

7. File Naming Conventions

  • Sequential Naming: Name files in a sequential order to facilitate easy uploading and proper alignment in the DAM system.

    • Example: productname.01.jpg, productname.02.jpg, ..., productname.24.jpg

  • Avoid Special Characters: Use only alphanumeric characters and underscores to prevent file recognition issues.