Preface: Panoramic images are accomplished by taking a series of photos of a scene (from side to side) and then bringing those images together (or “stitching them”) with a piece of photography software such as Photoshop. A number of image editing applications can handle this procedure (not just Photoshop) - but the basis of the process still involves capturing multiple images to bring together into one panorama.

#1 If you’re camera has a panoramic mode, try it out. Many cameras are now shipping with native “stitching software” built right into the camera. You may be able to get some good results following the directions right on the back of your LCD if you’re lucky. At the very least you’ll save time spent in front of your computer.

#2 Keep your camera as level as possible. A tripod helps, but isn’t entirely necessary. Size up the scene and look through the camera as you sweep from the left to right before taking any shots. Have you chosen the right lens? Sometimes parts of the scene are taller on one side than on the other. It may be necessary to use a wider lens or change your shooting location to avoid clipping off the top of a mountain or large building.

#3 As you begin shooting, overlap your shots much more than you think you need to, especially if you’re using a wide-angle lens (35mm or wider). This will help to avoid distortion which is present near the outer edges of your shots. You can get away with less overlap when shooting with longer lenses (85mm or longer), but to be safe - overlap things generously to avoid trouble.

#4 When you meter the scene, switch over to manual mode (M) and choose an F-stop that gives you plenty of depth-of-field. To be safe - go with something like F/11. Now balance out your exposure settings by adjusting your ISO and shutter speed. You’re going to want to want to make each shot in your sequence at the same exposure settings, otherwise you’ll have lighter and darker areas of your panorama - especially in the sky which won’t look right at all.

#5 Watch out for moving objects as you make your shots. For example, if a person or car enters your scene while you’re shooting then they could end up appearing multiple times as you shoot from side to side. Wait until they move past and then work quickly to avoid any other timing issues. Fast moving clouds and wind-blown trees can also be problematic.

#6 Import the sequence into your photo editing software and stitch them together! Photoshop users, go to File > Automate > Photomerge. Point the program to the files you want to stitch and let it rip! Tidy things up by cropping around the edges and you’re probably ready to print your new masterpiece. Voila, you’ve got a panoramic image - in the neighborhood of 50 - 100 megapixels (depending on your cameras resolution and the number of shots you took). In other words you can print it really big and the resolution will hold up great.

This blog post wouldn’t be complete without a few photos, so here’s a few panoramic shots I’ve done in the recent past. Enjoy, and keep your eye pealed for panoramic scenes next time your out with your camera.

Mt. Pilatus and Lake Luzern - Switzerland

City Skyline and Elliott Bay in Seattle, WA - USA

Windmills near Columbia River Gorge in Washington State - USA