PANORAMAS AND JOINERS

   

Panoramas are much simpler using digital technology than film. Taking a large number of photographs and then joining them seamlessly in photoshop or similar image programs can be very easy given a good choice of subject and some attention to the following rules.
  1. Try to align any horizons to make joining easier -a spirit level can be used.
  2. Use a good tripod for the camera to align the photographs.
  3. Use a fixed focal length standard or the middle of a zoom lenses range as the distortion is less.
  4. Try not to use very bight uneven conditions. Slightly cloudy or overcast conditions tend to be easier to join.
  5. A single fixed exposure for all of the photographs may be better than auto exposure setting.
  6. Try not to alter focus as this will alter image size-use manual focus.
  7. Overlap images by at least a third.
  8. If using digital files think about the file sizes your computer can handle. Trying to join 20 raw files in Photoshop can result in the computer to crash unless it has a LOT of Ram!
In Photoshop download the files to the computer, preferably to a new folder. Then open file-automate-photomerge (in CS) choose the files or the folder required and wait for the program to do its work. Some adjustment may be required. Files can also be joined manually by creating a large canvas them importing the files as layers and moving to align the edges. The edges may require stretching or deforming to match the edges. Other programs exist especially to join files, the cost ranges from free to hundreds of pounds.

Joiners


Similar ideas lay behind joiners but the effect can be more arbitrary. Try to think about the overall effect rather than a perfect seamless result. In this case film can give a more interesting result. 35 mm film can be used and small prints stuck down to a base board. Take a look at the joiners of David Hockney to get the idea. He also gives an impression of time and space in some if his photographs. Try out different shapes and styles. Take plenty of overlapping shots to give plenty of options.
Photographs can also be rotated, resized and rejoined for interesting effects.
     

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