The Effects of 360-degree Photos on Field Recording: A Fresh Look

 What's up, buddy?

I was looking through the digital world of the 21st century the other day for the next big thing in content marketing, especially in the B2B space. I was very interested in the growing trend of putting 360-degree photos together with field recordings. I know, it doesn't sound like a good match, does it? But trust me, this connection gives me a whole new way of looking at things, and I can't help but learn more about it. So, let's talk about it over a cup of coffee (or tea, if you prefer).

Field recording is an art that has been around as long as sound. It is the process of recording sound as it is. The noises of a rusty gate, a bubbling brook, and a city at night all have their own stories to tell. To record these sounds as they really are is an intense experience that can't be duplicated by even the most advanced studio equipment. 

Now, if you're thinking what 360-degree pictures have to do with anything, that's where the revolutionary part comes in. A panoramic picture is like a 360-degree picture, but instead of just showing the scene from one angle, it shows everything around you. This gives you a full view, or an all-encompassing experience. It's like being in the center of the universe and being able to see everything. Isn't that cool?

So why not combine the realistic nature of field recordings with the wide range of 360-degree photos? Think about it: you're not just hearing the sounds of a busy market or the peaceful music of a jungle; you're almost there, seeing everything in its best form. It's not just telling stories anymore; it's living stories.

In the B2B world, content marketing isn't just about sharing a sales pitch. It's about telling a story that connects with your audience, builds trust, and brings people together. To do this, we need to use new ways of telling stories that go beyond what has been done before. That's where 360-degree photos and field recordings come in handy.

Imagine you run a business that sells high-quality recording gear. Now, you could write a blog post about the specs and features or even make a cool movie to promote it. But let's go a little further. What if you made a 360-degree experience where a possible buyer could stand in the middle of a green forest and listen to the sounds of nature that your equipment captured? They can look around, take in the surroundings, listen to how clear the sound is, and really get a sense of how good your items are. It's like taking marketing to the next level.

But even though it sounds exciting, it's not as easy as just clicking a picture and hitting record. It needs careful planning and carrying out. First, you'll need a 360-degree camera, which is getting easier and cheaper to buy and use. At the same time, your gear for field recording should be good enough to catch the subtleties of real sounds.

When you have to match the sound to what you see, the task gets harder. In traditional recording, the music generally follows the camera, but in a 360-degree setting, the camera (and the watcher) can look anywhere at any time. So, the sound must be ambisonic, which means it should let the viewer know where it is coming from and how far away it is. Thanks to innovations like ambisonic mics and powerful editing tools, this is now possible.

But you need to think about your surroundings before you even start changing. When choosing the spot, you should think about how it will sound and look. It should have many different sounds.while also being interesting to look at. Things like the weather, the time of day, and even things like planes passing overhead or work nearby can have a big impact on your recording and shooting.

The next step is post-processing. Here, you have to use special software to match up the 360-degree video with the ambisonic sound. Your goal is to make sure that the sound changes as the watcher moves around in the 360-degree world. The sound of the leaves moving should come from the right place, and the birds should be singing in the trees, not on the ground. This synchrony makes the watcher feel like they are really there. 

It may seem like a lot of work, but trust me, the benefits can be big. You're not just telling people about your product or service; you're taking them to a different world where they can see and hear what you have to give. The experience goes beyond just selling and helps people feel connected to your brand on an emotional level.

Another interesting thing is that 360-degree photos and outdoor recordings can be used on any device. Users can enjoy this realistic material on different devices, like a virtual reality headset, a mobile phone, or a desktop computer. Also, the success of social media sites that support 360-degree material, like Facebook 360 and YouTube 360, is on the rise, which means there are more ways than ever to connect and interact.

Now, more than just business-to-business (B2B) companies can use this new tool. Say you work for a tourist board that wants to show off the beautiful scenery and diverse culture of your area. Or a real estate company that wants to show off a house. Or it could be a museum that wants to give simulated tours. When used together, 360-degree photos and field recordings can create engaging, lasting experiences.

But it's important to keep in mind that even though technology is a big help, it can't replace a well-written story. The way you use technology should be based on the story you want to tell, the feelings you want to evoke, and the link you want to make. At the end of the day, the art of telling stories is at the heart of content marketing, no matter the venue. 

White papers, workshops, and case studies are no longer the only things that B2B content marketing can do. The digital world is changing, so marketers need to change and come up with new ideas. One way we're pushing the limits of what's possible is by using 360-degree photos and field recordings together.

It's exciting to think about where we're going, don't you think? There seems to be no end to the options, and I can't wait to see how this technology continues to change and change the way we enjoy material. So, when you think about your content marketing plan the next time, think about going beyond what's usual. Make an event, tell a story, and give a real 360-degree view. After all, in a digital world that changes quickly, it's not enough to just stand out; you also need to offer a truly engaging point of view. 

And with that, I'll say goodbye. Let's get together again soon to talk about another exciting change in content marketing. Until then, keep looking for new things, coming up with new ideas, and most of all, keep sharing stories that count.