Some businesses/industries photograph really well with people in the tour and others are typically better empty. The most important thing to consider is that this is your business and your virtual tour. We have some recommendations below, but do what you think is best for you. There are pros & cons of both and we explain below.
In general, the benefit of shooting with people is that it adds a layer of energy to the experience. There are three different elements to consider regarding having people in your Google Virtual Tour. We’ve explained each below (you can combine them, as well).
This option can be done in conjunction with either of the two above and it is straightforward. In one of the photospheres, we can capture a team shot that people will see as they navigate through the tour.
This is the least common scenario because it can involve extra planning required by the business management, depending on the level of staging. The only people in the tour, in these instances, are staged and posing in place. For each shot that has people posing, they hold the position for a few seconds.
We find our customers very split on this. Many like to show people and a state of normal busyness, while others find it distracting.
Our general rule is that faces look best, unblurred. Therefore, employees that approve having their face unblurred and smile at the camera will be unblurred and everyone else who has not given us approval is blurred. Please understand that Google can change the rules here.
In general, the benefit of shooting empty is that it allows for the business to look very clean, open, and there are no distractions. The facility itself is the main attraction. This is definitely the “safest choice” in that it is predictable and straightforward.