Currently there are fewer than 30 Google approved Trusted Photographers in Australia – mostly in Capital Cities as outlined below :
- Sydney (3)
- Melbourne (5)
- Perth (4)
- Brisbane (2)
- Adelaide (4)
- Other NSW (3)
- Other VIC (1)
- Other QLD (1)
It is pretty straightforward to apply to become a trusted photographer (the application process is open to anyone – including amateur and professional photographers), but there doesn’t seem to be a lot of information available about exactly what the process is largely apparently because of an NDA that you will need to sign early on in the process).
This post attempts to collate information about what is involved in the process of getting approval as a Trusted Photographer.
Why become a Business Photos Trusted Photographer?
As a Business Photos Trusted Photographer you build relationships with local businesses and work with them to photograph their space.Google will provide you with the training and support needed to capture Street View imagery which will be published on Google Maps. As a qualified Business Photos Trusted Photographer you are able to run your own independent business (with free training and support from Google).
Apply to be a Google Trusted Photographer
The initial step to apply to be a trusted photographer is quite straight forward. It is open to experienced photographers – not necessarily just those already involved in a professional photography business. There are a few suggested criteria though :
According to Google, you will need :
- A passion to run a successful high volume photography business.
- A commitment of 30+ hours a week to the Business Photos Trusted Photographer program
- Proven tele-sales or door-to-door sales skills
- Your own photography equipment (specific camera bodies and lenses do apply)
- a Business license
- a Computer with high-speed internet
- a Gmail account
- Your own photography business website
Once your application is processed, and Google determines that there really is a need for extra Trusted Photographers in your area, initial contact will probably be from a Google Rep via phone and you may be contacted by Google for a “trial run”. At this stage you will be sent a Non Disclosure Agreement and some training material,
What do I need to Learn
Google runs a free training program designed to teach experienced (not necessarily professional) photographers through the process required to take and submit photos for Google to “stich” into virtual walkthroughs.
You will need to study Google’s training material, and complete a test to prove that you have a clear understanding of the concepts it covers. If you successfully complete this part of the process, you will be required to shoot some samples to submit to Google to ensure that you are able to meet required standards for quality-control purposes.
What Equipment Do I Need?
There are specific Camera Body and Lens combinations that are considered as acceptable equipment (these are not necessarily top end gear, you may actually need to down-grade), so if you you don’t already have the right equipment you may need to invest in some. If you need to buy it all – the investment is likely to cost between $2,000 and $4,000, but most experienced photographers should have some (or all) of the gear already… and in the scale of things the cost is likely to be quickly recovered within a few sales.
The gear requirements does change from time to time, but apparently includes (but is not necessarily limited to) the following, Note this list is vague because publication of the actual list is restricted by the NDA, but it should give you some idea of what to ex[ect.
- Canon EOS 7D Body
- Sigma 8mm circular fish-eye lens
- Canon 8-15mm f/4 L fish-eye lens
- An Android phone (various models suitable)
- A sturdy tripod and panoramic tripod head (e.g. Nodal Ninja R10) is also required
Techy Photo Stuff
It is understood that Google requires photographs to be ‘bracketed’ to give 3 exposures (for HDR processing) at 90 degree rotations -i.e. a total of 12 images for each location. Photos are to be taken with the panorama head set at 7.5 degrees above the horizon to give a good overlap at the top of the images, while leaving a small area omitted at the bottom of each shot where the head/tripod would appear.
Once the photos are taken there may need to be some post processing before they are provided to Google, along with some info about the layout of the business and exactly where each photo series was taken (this is necessary to create the virtual tour). Google then “stitches” together the panorama for each spot, and creates the virtual tour map – they will also blur any faces (for privacy).
See also :
Google’s Official Become a Trusted Photographer today page
If you know any more about the recommended equipment or the process associated with becoming a trusted photographer… please leave a comment 🙂