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Merge multiple photos into a panorama

18.02.2011
A panoramic photo, printed and framed, can be the ultimate memory of a far-flung journey or can simply re-create something interesting that you see every day. All you need is a digital camera and some creative vision. Here's how to make panoramas using Adobe Photoshop CS4 or CS5 or Photoshop Elements 8 or 9. If you don't have any of those programs, you can also create panoramic photos with shareware such as DoubleTake ($25) or freeware like Hugin.

Start with a photo series

The most important step in creating a panoramic image is taking good set of photos (usually three to six images) shot with your panorama in mind. Among other things, each photo must overlap with its neighboring photos, and it should also match its neighbors in both exposure and white balance. Try your best to adhere to these guidelines:

1. Use a tripod. The completed panoramic image will look better if each picture is taken from a consistent and level position, and the best way to ensure this is to use a tripod. Take a photo, nudge the camera to the left (or right), and repeat.

2. Use a consistent zoom level. It's very important to keep the same focal length from photo to photo, so do not adjust the camera's zoom between shots.

3. Use a consistent white balance. Unless programmed otherwise, most cameras are configured to use automatic white balance. The trouble is that depending on what the camera sees, the white balance can change from photo to photo and cause exposure and color variations. Set your camera's white balance to daylight (or whatever is appropriate).