Panorama Shoot Checklist
A practical panorama shoot checklist for camera setup, overlap, exposure, coverage, and on-site quality checks.
Before you press the shutter
Walk the location first and identify moving people, reflective surfaces, bright windows, and objects close to the camera. Choose a viewpoint that represents the space without blocking doors or walkways.
Set the camera to manual focus, manual exposure, and a fixed white balance. Charge batteries, format a suitable card after confirming the files are backed up, and disable anything that could change between frames, such as auto white balance or exposure bracketing unless the workflow requires it.
- Level the tripod and keep the camera height intentional.
- Check the lens is clean and the required focal length is mounted.
- Record the planned start direction and number of rows.
Capture a complete sequence
Shoot a short test frame and inspect focus, highlights, shadows, and the horizon. Then rotate in one direction at a steady pace, keeping the camera level and overlapping neighboring frames generously enough for the stitching software to find matching detail.
For a full 360-degree view, continue past the starting direction until the sequence closes. If the scene has a ceiling or floor that matters, add separate rows rather than tilting randomly between frames. Make an additional nadir frame when the tripod needs to be removed later.
- Keep the rotation axis fixed for every frame.
- Pause briefly after each movement so the camera is still.
- Repeat a frame when a person, vehicle, or branch blocks important detail.
Review on location
Zoom into representative frames on the camera. Look for motion blur, accidental focus changes, clipped highlights, unexpected tripod legs, and gaps at the ends of the sequence. A small screen cannot prove that every stitch will work, so reshoot anything questionable while the setup is still in place.
Compare the first and last views and confirm that the entire intended area is covered. Keep a note of the location, sequence name, exposure settings, and any frame that needs special treatment.
Final field checklist
Before leaving, confirm the camera contains every row, the extra nadir or zenith frames, and a quick reference shot if the project needs one. Copy the card only after the capture is complete and keep the original card untouched until the files are safely duplicated.
Use this short action list: 1. Verify coverage and sequence order. 2. Confirm exposure and focus stayed locked. 3. Reshoot blocked or blurred frames. 4. Note exceptions for post-processing. 5. Back up before formatting.
- Coverage complete
- Files sharp and readable
- Notes and backup complete