Having seen some 360 degree camera footage, i felt compelled to buy one, hoping it would give me something new to photographically explore. I bought an Insta360 X3 It didn’t disappoint!
The best thing about playing with a 360º is how the rules of composition using traditional cameras does not apply. In fact, it’s really strange at first, not knowing where to point it, since you don’t. Instead you place it in the middle of what ever view/ final image you are after. That’s the hard bit, to get used to knowing exactly where to place the camera to get the shot you want.
The bonus of a big learning curve, is every now and then you get complete surprises when you inadvertently get a shot you didn’t expect, and one that makes you go wow! The hard part is then trying to recall how you captured it, to recreate the same effect elswhere.
The cameras connect to your phone and there’s a very powerful app that controls all settings, provides live preview, and best of all, allows you to edit photos or videos with amazing tools and options, including set piece video effects, which are really amazing.
Much of my early experiments were just that, experiments. On a walk through local woodland, I accidently discovered I could photograph trees in a way unachievable with a standard camera. The tree could really be the centre stage and, using homemade spike, I could support the camera and hid behind the tree (the main subject) with no sight of me in shot! Using the mobile to connect to the camera, I hide out of view and remotely take the shot. I love these…..
I soon found myself homing in on trees and with a focus on the surroundings. Spring came and so did the bluebells, which are glorious to photograph. I managed to find a majestic tree in woodland surrounded by bluebells and after some experimenting with the camera position, I captured this!
I’ve got more 360 to come!