How it Works: Shutter Stream 360 Product Photography + Video Software
Iconasys Shutter Stream 360° Product Photography & Video Software is a do it yourself, user friendly software suite designed for users of any skill level to automates and streamline in-house product imaging and video creation workflows. The software is designed to work with a compatible camera (software specs) and includes video and image composition, capture and upload tools, editing, background removal, image processing and 360 product view composition tools (view software features). When using Shutter Stream 360° Product Photography + Video Software, users can expect to create:
Create web-ready 360 Product Videos using the software automated workflow in just seconds (360 product video examples)
Create web-ready 360 product photography in just minutes via one of 4 automated turntable capture modes or via 360 product video capture + frame extract (360 product photography examples)
Create web and print ready still product images with white or transparent backgrounds in seconds
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360 Product Photography Software Workflow
Shutter Stream 360 Software is designed to work with a variety of photography turntable options. Videos highlighting capture modes and 360 Product Photography Software Workflows using each turntable mode are highlighted below:
using an Iconasys 360 Photography Turntable
using a Manual 360 Photography Turntable
using a Motorized 360 Photography Turntable
using a Shutter Release 360 Photography Turntable
Basic, step by step 360 Product Photography Software workflow instructions are as follows. Shutter Stream 360 software provides advanced features and functionality at each step that can further help streamline and aid in the 360 photography creation process (see ‘Software Features Page’ for additional info):
Step 1: Enable Live View and Place Object
This will stream a real time preview of the cameras view onto the monitor screen. It is important to visually place the object as close to the center of the turntable as possible.
Step 2: Pre-Rotate Turntable
Users will want to pre-rotate their turntable and watch on the monitor screen to ensure object is spinning on axis, in the center of the turntable. By being able to watch on the monitor screen from the cameras perspective, it will be easier to tell if the object has been placed correctly. 360 Live View mode also supports grid markers and a centering tool to help users with correct positioning.
Step 3: Pre-Crop Subject (optional)
Users will next enable the Crop tool then click and drag over the object in the Live View Window using the mouse. This will allow users to define the area of the frame to be shot. After crop has been defined, pre-rotate the turntable to ensure the object doesn’t fall outside the crop markers. If it does, simply adjust the crop markers accordingly.
Step 4: Adjust Camera Settings
Users can make changes to camera settings through mouse clicks while in the software to adjust for exposure. As camera settings are changed, the Live View window will adjust in real time to simulate exact exposure (*when using a camera that supports exposure simulation).
Step 5: Adjust & Set Fixed Focal Point
Users have the ability to manually adjust their focal point through mouse clicks. This can be done while viewing close up at 1:1. After a focal point has been set, this will remain Fixed from shot to shot.
 Step 6: Capture a 360 Product Image Set
Shutter Stream 36o includes 4 different turntable shooting options in which the software can automate 360 image capture. These include:
- Iconasys USB Turntable (watch video) – Automated image capture – synchronizing camera snap with turntable movement in a turn, stop, snap workflow
- Manual Photography Turntable (watch video) – Automated image capture (user define number of frames and to capture every X second) in which user will simply position turntable after each camera capture. Or Manual Capture – Click the ‘Snap’ button in the software when ready to capture each angle
- Continuous Turntable (watch video) (consistent spin motorized turntable) – User defines the spin duration of their turntable and the frequency of capture (ex. turntable takes 60 seconds to spin one complete 360 – this will be entered as duration, then for example, if user wants to shoot 30 frames, user will define to capture an image every 2 seconds).
- Shutter Release Turntable (watch video) – Turntables with a Shutter Release port can be used with Shutter Stream 360 to streamline the workflow. Users define the number of stops per 360 on the table, then as the turntable triggers the camera capture at each angle, images will be uploaded into Shutter Stream 360.
 Step 7: Batch Image Editing
Users can select the entire set of images captured from the Thumbnail Viewing Gallery and enter into the editing area. In here, users have access to a variety of editing tools that include color correction & adjustments, image enhancement, manual, 360 product photography background removal (to transparent or pure white) and other tools. Editing changes can be applied to a single image or the entire image set in a batch process. Editing profiles can be created and saved and also instantly applied to images during the capture process.
Step 8: Output 360 Product Image SetÂ
Using either the Batch or Dynamic Save tool, users will rename the 360 product image set, which will be automatically be named in sequential order with a user defined suffix (ex. Filename-01, Filename-02, Filename-03 etc…). Users can also chose to resize images to a specific pixel width or height, chose a specific output resolution and define image format (JPG, TIFF, PNG, RAW) for the 360 image set.
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Step 9: Create & Output 360 Product ViewÂ
Using the integrated 360 Product View Creator widget, users can compose the set of individual frames into an interactive 360 product view that can be easily embedded into any website. 360 product view output are fully customizable, include user interactivity (click and drag mouse control & deep zoom) and available in 4 different output options (view 360 product photography examples). Alternatively, users can choose to work with any 3rd party 360 image hosting provider, 360 image creation software or 360 web plugin (revert to step 8 – output 360 image set).
360 Product Video Workflow
Shutter Stream 360 + Video Software is designed to work with motorized, continuous spin turntables or Iconasys computer-controlled 360 Photography Turntables (video workflow highlighted below) to automate the 360 product video composition, creation and upload workflows. See step by step instructions for creating 360 Product Videos using Shutter Stream 360 Product Photography + Video Software.
 Step 1: Enable Live View and Place Object
This will stream a real time preview of what the camera sees onto the monitor screen. During this step, users will place and position object on the turntable.
Step 2: Preview Rotation
Users will pre-rotate their turntable and watch on the monitor screen to ensure object is spinning on axis, in the center of the turntable (and adjust object position if necessary). By being able to watch on the monitor screen from the cameras perspective, it will be easier to tell if the object has been placed correctly. 360 Live View mode also supports grid markers and a centering tool to help users with correct object positioning.
Step 3:Â Adjust Video Exposure Settings
Users can make changes to camera settings through mouse clicks while in the software to adjust for exposure. As camera settings are changed, the Live View window will adjust in real time to simulate exact exposure (*when using a camera that supports exposure simulation).
Step 4: Adjust & Set Fixed Focal Point
Users have the ability to manually adjust their focal point through mouse clicks. This can be done while viewing close up at 1:1. After a focal point has been set, this will remain Fixed from shot to shot.
 Step 4: Define Turntable Parameters
When working with an Iconasys computer controlled turntable, users are able to define turntable:
Spin Direction
Spin Rate (speed)
Capture Degrees
Step 5: Start Video Record
When working with an Iconasys computer controlled turntable, users will hit the start button which will synchronize camera video record (start/stop) with turntable movement (start/stop) to automate the process. If working with a 3rd party motorized turntable users simply start video record at desired start point then stop video record using mouse clicks.
Step 7:Â Video Upload
Immediately after 360 product video record is complete, the video will be uploaded to a desired (user set) directory on the computer for viewing, editing and processing using 3rd party software.
Step 8: Video Frame Extraction
For users who wish to convert 360 product video to 360 product photography, the video can instantly be transferred into the software when the frames can be extracted and downsampled. Users can then use the batch editing, background removal, processing and 360 product view creation tools to create a web-ready 360 product view. Please see ‘360 Product Video Extraction‘ tab above for additional info.
360 Product Video Extraction
Shutter Stream 360 Product Photography + Video Software include video frame extraction and will allow users to convert 360 product videos into web-ready, interactive 360 product views. Below discusses the workflow for composing 360 Product Views.
 Step 1: Import 360 Product Video
Users will first import their 360 Product Video file into the software. During this step, the software will read the video files to provide the total number of frames the video is composed of (ex. a 10 second video clip shot at 30 frames per second = 300 total frames).
Next, users have the ability to import the entire frame set or downsample. Downsample will be defined as every Xth frame. For example, should the user wish to downsample the 300 total frames by a factor of 10, the end results would be a total of 30 frames (every 10th frame will be extracted).
Step 2: Batch Crop Frames (optional)
Typically users will want to crop the images to remove any additional frame around the product. Shutter Stream 360 + Video software includes features to aid and streamline this process:
1. View Alignment: By selecting View Aligment, the software will overlay the entire 360 product image set over top of one another and provide a preview. This will help users understand product positioning in the frame as to help ensure correct crop marker drawing
2. Batch Cropping: While viewing alignment, users are able to draw and define a crop marker that can be applied to the batch set of images using a single click. Crop can be defined in free-form, a custom ratio (ex. 8 x 5) or as a perfect square (1 x 1 ratio).
Step 3: Batch Editing
Shutter Stream 360 Product Photography + Video Software includes a full image editing suite designed to automate traditional image editing workflows by processing images in a batch process. In Editing mode, users will have access to a variety of editing tools that include color correction & adjustments, image enhancement, manual and automated background removal (to transparent or pure white) and other tools. Editing changes can be applied to a single image or the entire image set in a batch process. For further efficiencies, users can take advantage of editing profiles which can be created and saved and/or instantly applied to images during the 360 image output process.
Learn more about the Automated Background Removal Tools
 Step 4: Batch Image Output
 Included in the Shutter Stream 360 Product Photography + Video Software is Batch and Dynamic Processing and Output tools that automate standard 360 product image output processes. Users will define the save to location to a local, networked, cloud connected folder (ex. Dropbox) and/or FTP site. Users will also define naming and a suffix to be used for naming (ex. Filename-01, Filename-02, Filename-03 etc…), image format (JPG, PNG, TIFF, RAW), resolution (DPI), size (pixels), and the option to add a watermark. Users can also select to output multiple image sets with different properties depending on their usage (ex. amazon images at 1500 pixels wide and website images at 1000 pixels wide). The batch saving process is done using a single click and users have the ability to save multiple ‘Save Profiles’ that will be retained in the software for future usage.
Users will also have the ability to instantly create web-ready 360 product view in various formats directly during the Dynamic Save functionality.
 Step 5: 360 Product View Composition
360 Product View Composition
Shutter Stream 360 Product Photography + Video Software allows includes the Iconasys 360 Product View Creator Software and will allow users to create web-ready, interactive 360 product views from 360 product image sets. Below discusses the workflow for composing 360 Product Views.
 Step 1: Import 360 Product Image Set
Users will first import a 360 product image set into the software. This can either be from a sequence shot using the 360 Product Photography Capture mode or from a 360 product video extraction.
The image set can be from 1 up to 10,000 individual frames and can be in either JPG or PNG format. The images will import in order of filename however can be sorted using other methods (using the RegEX feature if need be). After images have been imported they will be automatically populated to create the 360 degree product view – of which will be shown in the 360 view preview window.
Step 2: Customize 360 Product View
The next step in the process is to start with customizing the 360 degree product view. Note, any customizations made will be retained in the software so they can be easily used/replicated when creating 360 product views in the future. Buttons are available in 9 different colors/styles and users can also upload their own buttons into the software (we provide a button design template in which you can customize).
In this example, we will first start with customizing the Player UI. That is the button style, color, button position and which buttons to include or omit. We will choose the black player button option and include all buttons in the output. For button location we will adjust these: Play/Pause and Zoom buttons in bottom left corner, Left and right arrows in bottom right corner and the Full Screen button in top right corner.
Step 3: Customization Continued
If required, users can further customize their 360 product views. Additional functionality includes:
- Player Control:Â Includes zoom level, click and drag direction (ideal for counter clockwise 360 spins), click and drag sensitivity (for both horizontal and vertical movements (vertical in the case of multi-row 360/3D product views) and the option to enable mouse wheel zooming.
- Player Rotation Options:Â Users have the ability to define how the 360 degree product will play. Options include:
- Continuous Auto Play: Sets the 360 view in continuous spin until user interacts with the 360 view – then will stop). Users click and drag using mouse, adjust frame by frame using left and right arrows and start auto play again by clicking the Play button.
- Rotate Just Once: Upon loading, the 360 view will complete one full 360 rotation then stop. Viewer can then interact with the file (click and drag mouse control), adjust frame by frame (with left/right arrow options) and/or click Play button to complete another full 360 rotation.
- Start Rotation in Reverse Direction: This can be used with any rotation type and will simply reverse the 360 spin direction (ex. from clockwise to counter clockwise).
- Bounce Rotation: Commonly used for 180-degree product views, this option will reverse the rotation after showing the last frame in the images set (ex. bounce back and forth in clockwise then counter clockwise manner).
- Video Bitrate: Adjust quality of Interactive MP4 and Standard MP4 Video output.
Users will also have the ability to add:
- Google Analytics® Tracking: Insert Google Analytics tracking code into the 360 output to measure the effetivness of 360 product views (ex. measure click rate on 360 product views and effectiveness on increasing conversion rates)
- Watermark: Add your own custom logo or watermark to the 360 product view for further branding and security. Simply upload a PNG image, choose location on the 360 view and it will apply it to the 360 product view output. A hyperlink can also be added to the watermark.
 Step 4: Adding Hotspots
Now that the 360 product view player style, features and functionality has been customized, users have the ability to add Hotspots to their 360 degree product views. Hotspots add an additional level of functionality to further enhance visual communication. Hotspots can be added to a single or set of frames and is very straight forward using the built in Hotspot Editor. Hotspot options include:
- Image Hotspot:Â ex. 360 view of a shoe, add hotspot on top and bottom of shoe that link to a single image of a top down and sole view)
- Text Hotspot:Â ex. add additional text information that will be displayed when viewer clicks on hotpot)
- Hyperlink to Video Hotspot: ex. link a hotspot to a hosted video link that discusses the product)
- Hyperlink to URLÂ Hotspot:Â ex. link to a buy now page)
- Custom JavaScript Hotspot:Â ex. call a custom javascript function)
 Step 5: 360 Degree Product View Output
Now that you have completed customization of your 360 degree product view, it is ready to be output. Output options include:
- 360 View Output Format:
- Interactive HTML5
- Interactive MP4
- 360 Animated GIF
- Standard MP4 Video
- Output Location
- Output locally: output the 360 product view locally to a local or networked folder or to a file sharing service (ex. Dropbox). The local output can then be shared and/or uploaded directly to your own server for hosting and embedding into your website.
- Output to the Iconasys Stream Server:Â Upload your 360 product views directly to the Iconasys Stream server. 360 views sent to the Iconasys server are instantly hosted within seconds and users will recieve a link to the hosted 360 view that can easily be embedded directly into your website and/or shared amongst clients and customers.
- Output both locally and to the Iconasys Stream Server
Still Product Photography Software Workflow
In addition to the automated 360 Product Photography and 360 Product Video creation workflows, Shutter Stream 360 Software also includes still product photography functionality. Still imaging workflows are streamlined and will enhance workflow efficiencies for users looking to create web and catalog ready images with pure white or transparent backgrounds. Below discusses workflow steps:
Step 1: Enable Live View
By clicking the ’Live View’ button in the program, the user is able to view, in real-time, what the camera sees. The user will place their object in front of the camera and position to desired shooting angle/location.
Additional tools available while in Live View mode include:
A. Live View Grid Markers – Designed to aid with product positioning and framing
B. Image Overlay Tool – Designed to help users replicate consistent shooting angles
C. Rotate – Designed to adjust Live View orientation 90, 180 or 270-degrees
Step 2: Compose Image
Next, the user can adjust camera settings (through mouse clicks) to ensure for optimal exposure. Camera setting adjustments include exposure adjustments (ex. Aperture, Shutter Speed, White Balance, ISO, etc.) as well as the ability to adjust and set focal points through mouse clicks. As camera settings changes are made, the ‘Live View’ simulates the image exposure in real time so users are able to see the image exposure before its even snapped (*requires a camera with exposure simulation). Users are able to save multiple ‘Camera Settings Profiles’ which are stored and can later be accessed to help with imaging consistencies
Step 3: Pre-Crop
After adjusting exposure, the user will define a ‘Pre-Crop’ around their subject. Crop can be defined in free-form, at a custom ratio (ex. 8 x 5) or at a perfect square. Users can also save multiple ‘Crop Profiles’ which are stored in the software and can be later used to help with imaging consistencies.
Step 4: Capture
When ready to capture the product image, click the ‘Snap’ button inside the program. Immediately after Capture, the image will be uploaded into the software for viewing, editing processing and output. The user can capture additional views of the product (if required) – camera settings & crop markers can be retained from shot to shot.
Users who require focus stacking can choose to use the Focus Stacking capture method which will automate the Focus Stacking image capture and processing workflow (Focus Stacking plugin is an optional purchase).
For users looking to further streamline workflows, pre-defined edits, processing and output can be applied immediately after capture.
 Step 5: Editing & Background Removal
After capturing a single or set of images, users have the ability to edit images using a variety of tools included in the editing suite. Â Included is a variety of editing tools that include color correction & adjustments, image enhancement, manual and automated background removal (to transparent or pure white) and other tools. Editing changes can be applied to a single image or the entire image set in a batch process.Â
Users have the option to create and save ‘Editing Profiles’ that can be accessed and applied to other image(s) or instantly applied to images during the capture process.
Learn more about Product Photography Background Removal Tools.
 Step 6: Image Output
The last step in the process is to output image(s). Included in the Shutter Stream 360 Software is batch editing tools that automate standard image output processes. Users will define the save to location to a local, networked, cloud connected folder (ex. Dropbox) and/or FTP site. Users can also define naming and a suffix to be used for naming (if saving multiple images), image format (JPG, PNG, TIFF, RAW), resolution (DPI), size (pixels), and the option to add a watermark. Users can also select to output multiple image sets with different properties depending on their usage (ex. amazon images at 1500 pixels wide and website images at 1000 pixels wide). The batch saving process is done using a single click and users have the ability to save multiple ‘Save Profiles’.
