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Photo shooting checklist for panoramas

Print this checklist and take it with you when you go out to shoot panorama photos.

Before Taking Off

  • Bring your tripod
  • Bring your polarizer filer if you have one
  • Make sure your battery is fully charged, bring the backup if you have one


  • Camera Settings

  • Turn the Flash OFF
  • Shutter and aperture: scan the scene, aim for brightest part, and use the same
    setting for the set of photos
  • Use the “Scenery” mode if the camera supports it
  • Use one Focal Length setting; don’t zoom in or out when shooting one set
  • Use the lowest ISO the lighting permits


  • Shooting

  • Use a TRIPOD whenever possible - especially when objects are near to the camera
  • If a tripod is not available, lock elbows and pivot on one spot - keep camera level.
  • Before shooting, move the camera to scan the scene and make sure it won’t move
    up or down for the set
  • Use at least 1/4 overlap for each shot
  • Use 1/2 overlap when using a wide angle lens
  • Go beyond 360 degrees when shooting for 360 degrees panoramas - mark your
    tripod with a piece of tape
  • Create time-based groups - wait no more than 40 seconds between shots
  • Take a black shot (with lens cap on) as a visual divider between sequences
  • Be aware that a person or other object in motion may cause problems when
    stitching
  • Be aware that scenes without much detail (cloudless sky over flat sea) are more
    difficult to stitch


  • If you don’t already have stitching software on your PC, we recommend the free introductory version of ArcSoft Panorama Maker® 4 Pro:
    http://www.arcsoft.com/support/downloads/download_introversion.asp





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