Panoramic Photography
What is Panoramic Photography?
Panoramic photography stitches multiple images together to create a wide, seamless view of a scene.
This technique is ideal for landscapes, architecture, and interiors. By using tools like tilt-shift
lenses, pano heads, and the Nodal Ninja, you can achieve precision and avoid common errors like
distortion and parallax.
Step 1: Choosing Gear
Camera: A DSLR or mirrorless with manual controls ensures consistency across frames. Lenses:
Wide-angle or tilt-shift lenses are great for minimizing distortion. Tilt-shift lenses allow for
in-camera panoramas by shifting the lens to extend the field of view without moving the camera.
Tripod: Use a sturdy tripod with a leveling base to keep your horizon straight. Panoramic Head
(Nodal Ninja): Allows precise rotation around the lens’s nodal point to avoid parallax errors.
Step 2: Shooting the Panorama
1. Level the Camera: Use a bubble level or the tripod’s built-in leveler to ensure your camera
stays straight.
2. Set Manual Controls: Lock focus, white balance, and exposure to maintain consistency across
frames.
3. Overlap Frames: Overlap each shot by 30–50% for easier stitching.
4. Orientation: Shoot in portrait mode (vertical orientation) to capture more vertical detail and
avoid warping.
Step 3: Using Tilt-Shift Lenses
Tilt-shift lenses eliminate distortion and simplify the stitching process:
Shift the lens horizontally to extend the field of view without moving the camera.

Capture three images (left shift, center, and right shift) and combine them in post-
processing.
Step 4: Using a Nodal Ninja
Align the camera’s nodal point to avoid parallax errors when rotating.
Rotate the camera incrementally, using the degree markers for precise overlaps. Ensure smooth
motion to avoid misalignments.
Step 5: Post-Processing
Use Lightroom, Photoshop, or PTGui to stitch images. Adjust seams, color, and exposure for a
seamless result.
Crop uneven edges while maintaining the panoramic aspect ratio.
By following these steps, you’ll create stunning, distortion-free panoramas with rich detail
and wide perspectives