Life in 360
How the Insta360 OneX2 Has Integrated Into My Professional Workflow
Michael Durr here with PhotoPXL.com and I am going to share with you how I have integrated the Insta360 OneX2 into my professional workflow and why I feel this camera has benefits that many might not realize.
First off, I started dabbling in 360 video many years ago when I worked with Case Construction. We were looking for ways to record in-cab videos that would allow us to see the views of the machines’ surroundings and also provide us with an angle where we could see the operator and the machine controls.
I have worked with the Insta360 OneX and the Insta360 R but the OneX2 really made a leap in usability for me and it is has become a valuable tool in my kit. I have had this camera for a while now and I find it is something that I continue to reach for in a variety of situations.
We are living in a time when a traditional photo shoot or video production might not be the only thing a client needs. They may hire you for a project and request some behind-the-scenes footage, or tidbits that could be used on any number of social media platforms. Of course, a lot of times project budgets are tight and clients simply can’t afford to hire an additional person who would be dedicated to creating behind the scenes or social content during the production.
This is just one valuable way I have integrated the Insta360 OneX2 into my projects. One of the biggest benefits of the 360 camera is the ability to set it and forget it. It is easy to mount the camera or place it within your working set so you can capture some great behind-the-scenes footage and you can rest assured that the action will be captured since you are literally recording in all directions.
Recently, I was hired to capture a number of dinners as part of a dinner series here in Indianapolis. I was tasked with capturing footage of these events that required me to float between a dining room, kitchen, and prep area. Since I obviously couldn’t be in all places at once it was great to rely on the 360 camera to capture some time-lapse sequences I could use in my final videos. The big benefit was I could put the camera in the center of the prepping location, let it record for the entire duration of the dinner prep and then, using the mobile app, I could go in later to frame the camera to follow the action. All that it required in the moment was setting it up, hitting record… and hoping that someone didn’t knock it over.
The VIdeo
The only way to really see what the Insta 360 2 really does is to watch this video,
The flexibility of a 360 camera is such a great thing to have. Since you don’t need to think about it it allows you to stay focused on your primary objective, whatever that might be.
You can mount the camera in a multitude of ways to capture unique perspectives. I have also used this camera to capture my kids or other fun family activities and it challenges you to think differently about how to utilize it.
In the video, above you will see a variety of the mounts I have used with this camera and if you have questions on any of them, please contact me via Instagram @instadurr.
I did 95% of the editing of my 360 photos and videos right on my mobile device. One drawback was transferring data to my phone over the WiFi connection. It took awhile and it drained the battery in both my phone and device. I recently discovered that Insta360 has released a new attachment for the camera that allows you to transfer footage immediately to your phone and do any editing in real-time. I have yet to try this accessory myself but it sounds like something that would really be a time saver.
Simplicity, flexibility, and creativity are what Insta360 has provided me in my productions.
If you are a photographer or a videographer, I invite you to integrate a 360 camera into your workflow and challenge yourself to try something different. Try utilizing any of the cameras in the Insta360 lineup and simply have some fun with it. I think you will find joy in working with this unique format and maybe even find some specific uses for it in your professional workflow.
Michael Durr
January 2022
Michael Durr
Indianapolis, IN
After studying broadcast journalism at Illinois State University, I began my career in Central Illinois creating commercials and on-air promotions for local television affiliates. From 2008 to 2012, I worked for The Marketing Store where I created content for clients such as McDonald’s, Coca-Cola, and Southern Comfort. From there, I worked for Maddock Douglas, an innovation consulting firm, developing an internal photo/video offering. I left Maddock Douglas to be a creative director at FÁS Chicago, where I worked primarily for Case Construction. In 2017, I relocated to Indianapolis with my wife and two sons and I have started Michael Durr Photo/Video, LLC. Currently, I work in partnership with Kevin Raber and PhotoPXL, creating video content on all things photography. In addition I work on other freelance projects primarily around the midwest. Throughout my career, talented friends and great mentors have surrounded me. I have been fortunate to wake up every day never feeling like I was going to work. The combination of my professional experience, personality and drive to improve has given me a unique perspective from behind the lens. It is a combination of work and life that inspires me.
