How can a Google Street View Virtual Tour help my business?
When potential customers search for your business by name on Google, they will see the images displayed directly on the search results page. These 360 images will also be published on Google+ Local pages, Google Maps and other Google properties and give customers a better sense of the layout, decor and beauty of your business interior. Using easy-to-use html snippets or Maps APIs, you can also link to these images from your own business website, attracting potential customers who visit your website too.

What will the Google Trusted Photographer do that I can’t do myself?
Google hand selects their Trusted Inside Photographers and trains us take to high quality photos of building interiors, accommodating for common challenges such as low lighting and tight spaces. The photographers are also certified to take pictures using specialized equipment that, once uploaded to Google’s proprietary software, will be transformed into 360-degree panoramic imagery and a virtual walk through of your business. Using Google’s sophisticated image stitching, HDR image matching and other technologies make it possible to produce these panoramic virtual walk-throughs.

Are there any restrictions on what type of businesses can participate?
Some businesses do have restrictions but can still participate in the program. We are able to shoot very large and multi-floor locations such as department stores and schools. Please contact us directly at 334-559-1941 or fill out our request form for a quote.

What is the cost to get my business photographed?
There is a one-time fee for the actual business photography and posting the tour to Google’s servers. Once the tour is added to Google Maps, there are no monthly fees or other costs involved.

What services do you provide?
Realistic Perspectives specializes in Business photos and HDR 360 Tours of businesses. 

How can I schedule a photo shoot?
Just give us a call at 334-559-1941 or fill out our request form and we will get right back to you and schedule your photo session.

How long will the photo shoot take?
In most cases, a photo shoot will take about an hour, but this varies depending on the size of your business.

What do I need to do to prepare my business before the photo shoot?
You are asked to clean and tidy things up prior to the photography session, but remember that the aim of the photographs is to show customers what they would expect to see if they visited your business on a normal day. Pictures of your merchandise will also need to be taken for POI (point of interest) photos. 

Which areas of my businesses will be photographed?
Photo shoots will include the main customer-facing areas of your business. You can work with the photographer to determine what areas of your businesses you would like to highlight, or even exclude from the shoot. Once again, the goal of the photographs is to show customers what they would expect to see if they visited your business on a normal day.

Will the photo shoot disrupt my business operations?
We know you’re running a business and that’s why we designed photo shoots to be as non-disruptive as possible. Realistic Perspectives Photographers will work around your schedule to ensure that photos are taken at a convenient time for you and your business. Because photo shoots do not require any sort of special equipment, lighting, or setup, you are free to stay open. Although photo shoots are non-disruptive and should not interfere with your normal business operations, it’s a good idea to let your customers know that photography is in process and to avoid being in view of the camera, whenever possible.

Will people be included in the photo shoot?
Because we want to keep the focus of the photos on the inside of your business, we aim to have as few people in the shots as possible. During the shoot, our photographers put up a sign and alert customers and employees that a Google Street View Virtual Tour photo shoot is in progress. As the business owner, it would be your responsibility to notify your employees and customers that the photo shoot is taking place. Any people that are in the photo shoot will have their faces blurred out according to Google’s Privacy & Security Policy

Do I own the photographs taken by 360 Business Tour?
Yes, you will own the photos taken by our Trusted Photographers once you have paid for this service and the shoot is completed. Keep in mind that by signing the Google Photography agreement, provided by Realistic Perspectives, you will also license the use of the photos to Google and Realistic Perspectives who will publish the imagery.

Can I embed these images on my business website?
Yes, we encourage you to share the walk-through experience of your business with your customers. We will also provide you with HTML to be embedded on your business website.

Can I have a repeat photo shoot?
Yes, many businesses purchase the Standard and Premium Packages for best deals on repeat shoots. 

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