e6 / Panorama:

Turn in:
folder: lastname_e6
lastname_e6.psd (all layers intact)

 

  1. Select a landscape-based subject.
  2. Shoot at least 3 images (I recommend more than 3).
  3. Be sure to line up the horizon with each shot.
  4. Also make sure that you are over-lapping each shot (20% over-lap).
  5. Keep your exposure settings consistent for each shot (meter based on an area in your scene that is neither too dark nor too bright).
  6. Use Automation through Bridge or Photoshop: Photomerge.
  7. Rotate or straighten your image based on the horizon (if you need to).
  8. Crop your image so that the edges are smooth and straight.
  9. Save your image as: lastname_e6.psd

 

There are many different techniques to shoot panoramas. The instructions above are the most common. Though, if you are interested in maximizing your viewable area you might try a few more techniques:

  1. Shoot 2 rows. Move across your scene first, and then down and across. This can be difficult in keeping your over-laps consistent.
  2. Shoot in Vertical orientation (Portrait - as opposed to Horizontal / Landscape). This will give you more viewable area up and down, but a bit trickier when creating your over-laps because of the reduced width. This technique in general is easier than shooting for 2 rows.

 

image

This image example shows the area that was over-lapped. It also indicates a shift vertically between shots that will result in my image needing a more than desired crop.

 

image

These image examples show the difference between combining 3 vs. 4 images. Because my horizon shifted in the 4th image, I lost a bit of sky and also ground. By eliminating the shifted image, I retained more of my image vertically. The advantage of using the 4th image is that it shows the vastness of the landscape.

 

Turn in:
folder: lastname_e6
lastname_e6.psd (all layers intact)