Introduction
Planning your immersive content production starts with understanding how long each capture type takes. This guide breaks down typical timelines for 360° photography, 3D models, and video—empowering you to schedule efficiently and maximize every minute of your production day.
What Influences Your Capture Timeline
Several factors shape your photoshoot schedule:
- Space characteristics – Size, layout, and complexity of areas being captured
- Media types – Whether you're capturing 360° photos, 3D models, video, or a combination
- Preparation level – How ready your spaces are when our team arrives
- Property logistics – Access points, room availability, and operational considerations
- Technical requirements – Lighting conditions, space transitions, and equipment needs
Capture Times by Media Type
360° Photography: Fast & Comprehensive Coverage
360° capture delivers stunning immersive results quickly:
- Per image: Less than 10 minutes including setup and repositioning
- Standard hotel room: 1-2 images capture complete coverage
- Larger spaces: Multiple strategic angles create comprehensive virtual experiences
Why it's efficient: Our photographers position once and capture the entire space in a single shot—no need to compose multiple angles or adjust lighting between frames.
3D Model Capture: Scalable to Your Space
3D capture rates scale beautifully with different venue types:
- Guest rooms & smaller spaces: ~3,000 square feet per hour
- Ballrooms & open areas: Up to 10,000 square feet per hour
- Complex multi-room layouts: Slightly slower pace ensures quality transitions between spaces
Real-World Examples:
- Standard hotel room (325-400 sq ft): 10-15 minutes
- Executive suite (800-1,000 sq ft): 20-30 minutes
- Large ballroom (5,000 sq ft): 30-45 minutes
- Multi-space event venue (15,000 sq ft): 2-3 hours
What makes it scalable: Open spaces with clear sightlines capture faster, while spaces with multiple rooms or complex layouts require more coverage points for seamless navigation.
Video Capture: Customized to Your Story
Video timelines vary based on your creative vision:
- Simple walk-throughs: Faster captures with minimal setup between shots
- Styled cinematics: More time for lighting, composition, and multiple takes
- Talent involvement: Additional coordination when featuring people on camera
- Equipment complexity: Drone footage, stabilizers, and specialized rigs extend timelines
Planning tip: Video production benefits most from detailed pre-planning. Share your vision with your Visiting Media representative to create an accurate timeline that matches your creative goals.
Maximize Your Production Day
Before the Shoot: Set Yourself Up for Success
Build realistic timelines:
Add 15-20% buffer time to your estimates. This cushion accounts for unexpected delays without disrupting your property operations or cutting into important captures.
Prioritize strategically:
Schedule your most important or highest-traffic spaces first. If timing gets tight later in the day, you'll already have your essential content secured.
Prepare completely:
Ensure all spaces are camera-ready before our team arrives. Review our Photoshoot Preparation Checklist for room-by-room guidance on staging and setup.
During Production: Support Your Team's Efficiency
Provide clear access:
Share property maps, parking instructions, and loading dock details. The faster our team can navigate your venue, the more time we spend capturing great content.
Assign a dedicated point person:
Having someone available to assist with access, answer questions, and coordinate with operations keeps everything flowing smoothly.
Block spaces strategically:
Reserve your capture spaces in advance to prevent scheduling conflicts. Clear reservations mean no delays waiting for spaces to become available.
Optimize Your Workflow
Group similar media types:
When possible, batch all 360° captures together, then move to 3D, then video. Minimizing equipment changes between media types saves significant setup time.
Plan logical property routes:
Map efficient pathways through your venue that reduce travel time between spaces. Zigzagging across large properties adds up quickly.
Prepare backup options:
Have alternative spaces ready if a scheduled room becomes unexpectedly unavailable. Flexibility prevents downtime during your production day.
Your Custom Timeline Starts Here
Every property tells a unique story with unique logistical considerations. Connect with your Visiting Media photoshoot planner for a detailed timeline estimate tailored to your:
- Specific property size and layout
- Desired media types and quantity
- Operational constraints and preferred timing
- Priority spaces and must-have content
For larger properties or complex projects: We recommend scheduling a pre-shoot consultation. Together, we'll create a detailed capture schedule that minimizes operational disruption while ensuring we capture all the content that showcases your spaces at their best.
Need additional help? Submit a support ticket through our Support Request Form and our team will assist you promptly.