VR Objects Photography Services

PHOTOVISION360's specialty is 360° panoramic images; however another related technique can produce interactive "3D" images of real objects called "VR Objects". A visitor to your website will get a much better all-around view of your product, artefact or artwork, much the same way as interactive 360° panoramic images. VR object images are produced from actual photographs and avoid the various disadvantages of video and computer-generated images.

Go to the VR object galleries to see samples of our work and compare different display technologies.

VR Object = Virtual Reality for Products, Artworks, Small & Large Objects

The purpose of "VR objects" is to create a digital version of a real object that is as life-like as possible AND to allow the visitor to handle it as would be possible in the physical world. This interaction allows a website visitor or a conference speaker in front of a large screen to control the view of the object as seen on the screen. VR is not video, although the images seem to move somewhat like in a video.

Ideal for Products, Artworks, Jewellery, Tools, Sport Items, Toys, etc.

Any situation that requires showing an object, such as a commercial product, artwork, jewellery, tool, sport item, toy, decorative object or other hand-held items. Larger objects can also be made into VR objects, such as a model (person) to show clothing, a dance move, an exercise movement, a hair style, etc. Very large objects such as a vehicle or industrial machinery can also be the subject of vr object photography; however, they must be photographed outdoors or in a large indoor area. Objects that are typically handled or viewed from different angles during their use (tools, sport items, sculptures, etc.) are particularly well served by VR object photography.

Advantages Over "Ordinary" Product Photography

A VR image not only does the job of many images, but it also gives the viewer a much better "feel" for the shape, texture and overall view of the item. In most web pages, it would not be practical to show a large collection of images of an object. This would require a lot of screen space and a lot of time to view all the images but this would not provide a "feel" for the object to the viewer. VR objects require actual photographs and they are presented in such a way to minimize the required space and maximize the interactive experience. It's the next best thing to actually touching the object!

Advantages Over Computer-Generated Images

A computer-generated image, also known as "synthetic image", can be a great way to show a product prototype before the actual item can be fabricated. This is especially true when the product is designed in 3D software in the first place. However, this type of image often looks either "too perfect" or a bit "fake"; the digital artist must be very careful to use just the right amount of computer-generated texture, lighting effects, colour saturation and sharpness. VR object images are actual photographs; they show a real object, all the "effects" are real and obtained through professional photography techniques.

Available Technologies for Display Now Includes HTML5

There are a number of technologies available to present VR object images. Quicktime VR (QTVR) was the first to accommodate VR object images, but this capability now falling out of favour, even from Apple Computer Inc., the company that popularized it in the '90s. Flash, developed by Adobe Systems Inc., is now a widely accepted technology that powers most of the new-media capabilities of websites today. The vast majority of computers today already have the free Flash Player software installed; no download required, except for the occasional and inevitable update. Flash files can also be embedded in PowerPoint® presentations and PDF documents. The newest format is HTML5. It allows the same capabilities as Flash without downloading or installing a "plug-in". This format is compatible with iPad, iPhone and iPodTouch. However, most web browsers are not yet fully compatible with HTML5. Another option is the good old animated Gif, a standard format on the web and is PowerPoint® compatible; however, it does not offer interactivity and only offers up to 256 colours.

PHOTOVISION360, offers all of the above technologies but suggests choosing Flash or HTML5 with Flash fallback. Give us a call, we will answer your questions, address your concerns and discuss with you which technology will best meet your goals.

The thumbnail images above are interactive. Visit the VR Objects Gallery to see larger examples and display format comparisons.