VR Photography, a new perspective in the way we view superyachts on the web

The SS Delphine, a restored 1920’s steamship anchored in the bay of Monaco provided a relaxed and yet contrasting setting for those attending the Monaco Yacht Show to experience high definition 360-degree images of the very yacht under their feet. The large plasma screen hidden behind the oil painting within the Delphine Lounge; revealed by the descending canvas, was not the only piece of high technology on display, as viewers found themselves able to interact with online photographic images of viewpoints from all around the boat.

Colin Johnson of Exrenda - the developer of these techniques; in making this presentation, went on to explain that the under-lying technology to enable online viewing of 360-degree photography has been available since 1995, but has until recently been severely restricted to low resolution images; displayed in a small window and portraying scenes with extreme distortions. But digital photography and the widespread adoption of high-speed internet connection has changed its potential.

Viewed through the now familiar browser window in full screen format, with just simple movements of the mouse, here was demonstrated the ability to virtually stand inside a photograph, to rotate, zoom in and out, to look up and down with no restriction, giving the viewer a feeling of total immersion within the scene to such a degree that one viewer (an experienced charter broker) when interacting with the image of that very room was to comment ‘It was almost surreal, I expected the people standing behind me to appear on screen as I looked around’. Another viewer likened the experience to a ‘remotely controlled high-definition video camera’.

The techniques being demonstrated that have been developed by Colin begin as part of a two-part process; with the photography of the boat carried out in natural light, with minimum equipment, and as an ‘image capture event’ - recording every detail of the scene in multiple shots, and with the boat in any location – in dry dock, on hard standing, at sea or in port - this facility is proving to be attractive to boat builders and brokers where a poor exterior view through the windows can be replaced with a neutral sea view, or indeed any view from any location in the world. This is a quite an advantage when the boat is only available on the back of a transporter awaiting delivery!

The second, and the most intensive part of the creative process is carried out in the digital studio. This is where the multiple images shot during the photography are all stitched and blended together to form one large panoramic composite containing every last detail of the original scene. It’s at this stage all evidence of the photographer and equipment is removed, any blemishes corrected, objects and textures within the scene can be colour corrected, seamlessly changed, removed or inserted, and the boat can be ‘virtually relocated’ by replacing the exterior views.

Overall the demonstration proved how a mature technology has ‘come of age’ and found its place as a perfect complement to conventional photography in the online promotion of luxury yachts, and that whilst onboard such a classic as the Delphine with a glass of champagne in your hand, there is no substitute for experiencing the ‘real thing’ - this has to be the next best option to being there.

Photo credit: Colin Johnson - www.exrenda.com