So What is a Google Trusted Photographer?
Google Photographers, also known as Google Street View Trusted Photographers, integrate Google Street View inside businesses and add them to Google Maps. A Google 360 Tour is a virtual walkthrough that allows customers to explore interior spaces online.
These photographers are not Google employees but independent contractors hired by businesses to provide Google’s photography services. Photographers from the 2012-2016 class were directly contacted by Google and underwent training and exams. Originally known as Google Business Photos or Google Business View, they collaborated with Google staff to upload 360 images. Although the Google Street View Trusted program ended, leaving these photographers independent, finding one of these original photographers is highly recommended. They have the experience, training and foundational knowledge to create quality Google 360 Tours.
Why Hire a Google Virtual Tour Photographer?
It’s highly recommended to hire a certified Google Photographer to add a 360° tour of your business to Google Maps. While it’s not mandatory, certified photographers bring specialized training and experience, having worked with the Google team to ensure quality standards. They’ll visit your location to capture high-quality, immersive 360° images, allowing potential customers to explore a virtual tour of your business on your Google Business page. This tour will be accessible on Google Search, Google Maps, and the Google Maps app for mobile devices. Click here to see an example.
Think about it as wedding photographers. You hire wedding photographers not based on price, but their quality of work, experience and client care. Lower cost photographer generally provide lower quality work.
What’s the difference between a Google Trusted Agency and Photographer?
A Google Trusted Agency is an independent web agency certified to upload 360° virtual tours to Google. While not employed by Google, these agencies have a certification similar to that of “Google Partners” (who are certified to sell Google Ads). Instead of ads, however, Google Trusted Agencies specialize in virtual tours. They typically employ a Google Photographer or may subcontract freelance photographers as needed. The agency is responsible for publishing the 360° images to Google.
At RichTeaMedia360, we’re a marketing agency with an in-house Google Photographer. We’ve collaborated on national campaigns with both Google Trusted Agencies and international Google Photographers. Based on our experience, here’s an overview of the pros and cons of each:
Google Trusted Agency
- Offers a range of services beyond Google Virtual Tours.
- May lack specialization in virtual tour photography, leading to more generalized service.
- Sometimes subcontracts to non-certified photographers, so quality can vary.
- Some agencies have questionable practices, so due diligence is essential.
- Ideal for multi-location, nationwide projects with dedicated account managers to streamline scheduling, communication, and workflow.
- May upsell additional web services.
Google Trusted Photographer
- More likely to specialize in virtual tour photography and invest in high-quality equipment.
- Often a solo professional or part of a smaller team, meaning they tend to focus more on quality.
- Personal brand focus, often resulting in superior craftsmanship.
- Smaller operations can occasionally present challenges in scheduling and communication.
- Quality is often higher than that of larger agencies.
- Great way to support local photographers and freelancers.
- “Original Google Photographers” (2012-2015) received training directly from Google.
Our Recommendation:
For businesses with a multi-location, nationwide presence, a Google Trusted Agency is typically the best option. For businesses with fewer than 25 locations, especially if they are mainly within a single state or province, working with a Google Photographer is likely the better choice.
Google Photographers also maintain a network of connections, allowing them to recommend trusted photographers across different regions if needed.
How to Find a Google Photographer in Your Area
Here are some additional ways to find Google Photographers:
- Contact Us for any questions or a 360 Tour
- Search “Google Virtual Tour (City Name)” on Google. Be sure to check their quality of work after!
- Google Street View offers a list of certified photographers worldwide, allowing you to find both local and international options, however it’s ending in December 2024.
Are There Differences Among Google Photographers?
Yes, photographers vary widely in key areas, which we classify as follows:
- Professionalism
- Communication
- Customer Service
- Camera Equipment
- Pricing
- Quality of Work (Most Important)
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Google Photographer
1. Experience
An experienced Google Photographer is equipped to deliver high-quality results from start to finish, navigating common questions and challenges effectively. Experience often translates to improved quality and customer service, but remember, it’s just the starting point.
2. Google Virtual Tour Portfolio
Look beyond the quantity of tours in a photographer’s portfolio and focus on quality. High-quality virtual tours are more impactful than numerous mediocre ones.
3. Commercial Photography Portfolio
Many Google Street View packages also offer still images, which can be a valuable addition to your Google Business profile or social media. However, note that expertise in virtual tours doesn’t always mean skill in other photography types (e.g., product or portrait photography). Reviewing their commercial portfolio will reveal the photographer’s range and expertise across different styles.
4. Professionalism and Service
Professionalism is often overlooked but crucial. Remember, Google Photographers are independent contractors, not Google employees, so service quality can vary. Consider how responsive and helpful they are: do they communicate promptly and address your needs thoroughly, rather than just pushing for a sale? Setting up a call or meeting is a good way to gauge their professionalism and likely service quality.
5. Quality of Work
Evaluating quality involves several technical aspects, including:
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Well Exposed: Look for well-lit images with balanced lighting. Overexposed images appear too bright, while underexposed ones seem dark or gloomy. In 360 tours, check that both interior and exterior areas are evenly lit without excessive shadowing. A well exposed photo should look clear and detailed.
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Even Color Balance (Important): The colors in the photos should reflect the business’s actual atmosphere. Watch out for an overly warm (yellow/orange) or cool (blue) tint that can distort the setting’s true appearance. Many poor tours showcase a warmish yellow space which affects the over all vibe and makes your space look very dated.
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Sharpness: Images should be crisp and in focus across the entire 360° view. When viewing a tour, check on both mobile and desktop to ensure clarity.
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Cleanliness and Setup: Well-executed tours should feature tidy, organized spaces. While cleanliness is partly the business’s responsibility, a good photographer will guide them to make sure the location looks appealing and free from clutter.
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Navigation: A well-planned tour should guide viewers through the major areas without ending up in confusing dead ends. Good photographers create intuitive, looping paths that highlight the key features of your business.
6. Pricing
Google Photographers and Agencies set their own rates, so prices can vary. Avoid choosing solely on cost; low prices may indicate lower quality. As with hiring any commercial photographer, consider factors like quality, reliability, and customer service before finalizing your choice.
Important Questions to Ask The Photographer
Can you send me examples of 360° tours for businesses like mine?
Seeing relevant work will help you gauge the photographer’s experience in your industry.Do you have a commercial portfolio with non-360° photos? (Important)
A strong commercial portfolio can indicate a broader skill set, especially if you need additional still images.What should I do to prepare my business location for the shoot?
Preparation can impact the quality of the tour, so it’s essential to know any setup requirements in advance.When will my 360° tour be live on Google Maps?
Understanding the timeline helps you manage expectations and plan your marketing.What are your accepted payment methods?
Confirming payment options ensures there are no surprises when it’s time to settle the bill.When is payment due? Before, after, or partially upfront?
Knowing the payment schedule helps you budget and manage finances accordingly.Are there any additional or recurring costs for the 360° tour?
Google hosts 360° images for free, so there shouldn’t be extra hosting fees. Be sure to confirm this.Will a Google Certified Photographer be doing the shoot?
If it’s an agency, verify that the specific photographer handling your tour is certified and has a personal portfolio, not just agency work.Is there anything else I need to prepare?
This will ensure you’re fully ready for the shoot day.
A Google 360° tour is a powerful visual marketing tool for local businesses. Unlike Google Ads, it has no recurring fees and complements SEO efforts. The insights on your Google Business page can reveal how much visibility a 360° tour could bring, potentially increasing exposure and foot traffic.
Ready to get started? Just reach out!
We’re a marketing agency with an award-winning Google Photographer on board. Feel free to message us with any questions—our team is here to help.
