Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
Try to avoid placing mov-
ing objects at the edge of
frames, as they will disap-
pear or be ghosted when
the images are stitched.
5 Watch for moving subjects
Because all Photomerge features are based on combining details from multiple photos into
a single picture, it is important to watch out for subjects that are moving in the frame. For
instance, when capturing source files for panoramic stitching, it is the edges of the image
frame which are the most critical part of the source picture. It is important to make sure
that moving details such as cars, or pedestrians, are kept out of these areas. Objects that
appear in the edge of one frame, and not the next, cause problems for the stitching program
and may need to be removed or repaired later with tools like the Clone Stamp.
TRIPOD HEADS
For the other Photomerge options where the images are layered on top of each other, any
moving subjects in the frame can cause problems. Often a little patience when shooting to
wait for movement to stop before snapping the source photo can reap big rewards back at
the desktop, saving you the time and effort needed to retouch the problem picture part.
Capturing Photomerge Panorama source files
Although previous versions of Photomerge Panorama relied heavily on accuracy in the cap-
ture stage for the creation of successful panoramic results, the improvements and additional
power of Photomerge Panorama as it appears in the latest versions of Photoshop Elements
means that great images are still possible with images shot in less than ideal conditions.
Special panoramic
heads designed to posi-
tion the lens above the
center of the tripod are
available for this pur-
pose. These virtual real-
ity (VR) heads offset
the camera so the nod-
al point of the lens is di-
rectly over the pivot
point of the camera.
Models are available
for specific cameras or
you can purchase a
multi-purpose design
that can be adjusted to
suit a range of film and
digital bodies. Shoot-
ing with these heads is
by far the best way to
ensure that your imag-
es stitch well.
Image overlap
Photomerge Panorama works by identifying common edge elements in sequential images
and using these as a basis for blending the two pictures together. When you are making
your source photographs, ensure that they overlap by a minimum of 15% and a maximum
of 30%. These settings give the program enough information to ensure accurate stitching.
I find that if I locate a feature about one-third of the way in from the right-hand side of the
viewfinder (or display screen) in one shot and then position the same detail one-third from
the left in the next shot, I end up with sufficient overlap for Elements to process the picture.
 
 
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