VirtualReality




 * Virtual Reality** **(VR)** refers to a way of taking pictures, then editing those pictures in software programs so the viewer can have a "virtual" experience.

=Terms & Definitions=


 * Fisheye lens**: A lens that displays 185 degrees of a scene.


 * Hemisphere (or fisheye)**: One picture taken with a fisheye lens. Hemispheres are always shot in pairs by pointing the camera in one direction, then pointing the camera in exactly the opposite direction.


 * [|Panorama (or pano):]** A pair of hemispheres "stitched" together using VR software. Each hemisphere will display 185 degrees of a scene, for a total of 370 degrees.

[|Quicktime VR:] An image file format that allows you to manipulate a panorama to see it from different angles.


 * VR Tour:** A series of panos that are linked together. **[|Click here]** to see a VR tour of the Bethune Media Center. **[|Click here]** to see a VR tour of the Mission at Tumacacori, Arizona


 * Pano Head:** a type of tripod head that allows you to shoot precise hemispheres.

=Creating VR Projects in PESD #1=
 * Check out a VR kit from Instructional Technology. A VR kit includes:
 * Camera, fisheye lens, tripod, & panohead.
 * Laptop with VR editing software. **You cannot create a VR project on a PESD desktop computer or one of the "regular" laptops.**
 * Assemble the camera and tripod.
 * Shoot your hemispheres.
 * Transfer hemispheres from your camera to your laptop.
 * Use the Panoweaver software to create panoramas and Quicktime VRs.
 * Use the Tourweaver software to create VR tours.
 * Export your final product to a CD, flash drive, Web, etc. to be seen by your adoring fans.

=Tips on Shooting Hemispheres=
 * Turn off the flash.
 * Set white balance.
 * Manually adjust the aperture and shutter speed (you can't just "point and shoot") before **every** shot.
 * Keep your lenses clean.
 * Compose your shot so there is something interesting in the foreground.