Panorama (pan=all; horama = view (Greek))
We generally assess a view, taking the middle section as our reference point and scan from side to side. Often we ignore both the sky and the foreground. Photographically the wide panorama view it can give us the impression of the grandeur and expansiveness because it mimics this action of viewing from side to side.
In the following pictures I have shown the same view, firstly cropped down from a wider view. Then, using Photoshop, I have combined 4 images to give a similar result. I used Auto photomerge and also cylindrical photomerge. Looking at my base files, I realised I should have included more sky or foreground in order to allow for cropping the final merged version. In auto I used a straight crop of the existing pixels. In the cylindrical version, I cloned a little sky in on either side and some foreground on the left side.
The advantage of the first shot is that there is no difference from wind blowing or light changing. With the four shots (hand held) there is a difference in sharpness across the foreground and on the right side of the trees. This is partly due to the merging and perhaps to some camera shake I conclude from this that the use of a tripod would be beneficial if not essential for a good result.
Practical points in taking panoramas: Elevated position
Find a point of interest slightly off centre
Lens 35-50mm.
Use a tripod preferably with a pano head
Use horizontal format and overlap each image by up to 1/3
Programs include Photoshop,photo, automate, photmerge and Stitched Express by Realviz.
In the following pictures I have shown the same view, firstly cropped down from a wider view. Then, using Photoshop, I have combined 4 images to give a similar result. I used Auto photomerge and also cylindrical photomerge. Looking at my base files, I realised I should have included more sky or foreground in order to allow for cropping the final merged version. In auto I used a straight crop of the existing pixels. In the cylindrical version, I cloned a little sky in on either side and some foreground on the left side.
The advantage of the first shot is that there is no difference from wind blowing or light changing. With the four shots (hand held) there is a difference in sharpness across the foreground and on the right side of the trees. This is partly due to the merging and perhaps to some camera shake I conclude from this that the use of a tripod would be beneficial if not essential for a good result.
Practical points in taking panoramas: Elevated position
Find a point of interest slightly off centre
Lens 35-50mm.
Use a tripod preferably with a pano head
Use horizontal format and overlap each image by up to 1/3
Programs include Photoshop,photo, automate, photmerge and Stitched Express by Realviz.
On this occasion I think the panoramic view of the copse of trees has a little more impact but I think a better impression of the use of panorama stitching will be to take a number of photos from a high viewpoint. To be revisited.
Later: With the high viewpoint in mind I took the following panorama. I used 6 shots initially and found that the distortion at the sides was unacceptable so I cropped either side. I wanted to convey the feeling of depth over the gardens from one of the highest points.
Later: With the high viewpoint in mind I took the following panorama. I used 6 shots initially and found that the distortion at the sides was unacceptable so I cropped either side. I wanted to convey the feeling of depth over the gardens from one of the highest points.