1. A holding assembly configured to releasably retain a plurality of cameras in a predetermined orientation, said holding assembly comprising: a support; a plurality of receptacles disposed radially about said support, each of said receptacles being configured for retaining a photographic camera and having at least one feature for enabling the camera to be releasably retained within the receptacle wherein the receptacles are oriented about said support such that each camera provides a different field of view, the cameras being disposed to create either a 360 degree by 180 degree full spherical composite image or a 360 degree composite image.