3-15-14
Delicate Arch
Arches National Park
Moab, UTThis pano wraps a full 360deg and is constructed out of 22 slices with 15deg rotations between each slice. Each slice is an HDR merge of 7 images, shot as a bracket from -3EV to +3EV. So, 22 * 7 = 154 images combined to make this picture. Though the sorting and processing required to combine the ~150 shots was significant, that was just the beginning. After doing the 22 HDR merges, and then stitching them into a complete panorama, I found many ugly artifacts in the result. So, into Photoshop it went. The typical HDR halo problem had to be fixed with tons of tedious cloning. The stitching algorithm also decided to eliminate my friend Kevin from the shot but leave his shadow!, so, he had to be added back in. After some other this and thats, the final 33,469px * 4,952px = 165.7 MP picture was complete. Technical challenge aside, it was FREEZING, my limbs were NUMB, and I had a hell of a time not slipping down the hill where I barely had enough space to perch my tripod and to stand behind it. Took about two hours or so to wait for sunset and take all the shots. I've heard stories of photographers doing far worse, but damn, it SUCKED getting these pics. Was it worth it?
For a slightly cropped version (to see more detail):
http://pics.xyclopx.com/utah/arches-national-park/arches-mar-2014/e1efe98fcFor the whole story behind this picture, please visit my blog:
http://pics.xyclopx.com/blog/2014/3/capturing-the-delcate-arch-at-arches-national-parkCanon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM
