Panorama question

[bs0604]

If you take Panorama shots by "stitching" together in Photoshop would it be better to "tone map" each frame prior to stitching or wait and simply tone map the final panorama after stitching? Or does it matter.

 

[JoshuaSimPhotography]

I’d wait till it is finished, because there could be some images that look unnatural when stitched together with another (underexposed shot next to overexposed shot, etc.)

 

[480sparky]

I’d wait till it is finished, because there could be some images that look unnatural when stitched together with another (underexposed shot next to overexposed shot, etc.)

If you have an underexposed frame next to an overexposed frame, you're not taking the images properly. You should shoot panos in full manual.... AF, aperture, shutter speed and ISO should all be turned off and set manually to prevent any changes frame to frame.

If you tone map each frame prior to stitching, then they should all receive the exact same steps.

 

[molested_cow]

I don't think you can tonemap after stitching... that is if you are not planning too tonemap a jpeg(bad idea).

Tonemap your RAWs first. Stitch it then do all the rest of the post processing.

 

[zombiemann]

I've tried it both ways and stacking/tone mapping then stitching works much better. One word of advice though would be to fine tune your tone map settings (I am assuming Photomatix here) with your first image, and when you do the rest DONT CHANGE ANYTHING. Photomatix automatically goes back to the same settings you used the last time. This will help to ensure that all subsequent stacks/tone maps are identical.

I have a fairly beefy, custom made, with high quality parts computer.... Stacking and tone mapping pre stitched panoramics brought my baby to her knees. Even with water cooling my temp went through the roof. Actually that is the one and only time I have ever had a thermal shutdown. Of course that might have something to do with the fact that I was stacking 9 TIF files, approx 4 frames wide.