Panorama nodes require that 12-18 photographs be taken around a circle from a focal point, while object nodes may require as many as 55 photographs from all viewing angles. Despite more than twenty years photographic experience, Charbonneau needed to learn new approaches for this type of photography. First, a special tripod rig is required, as the camera must be completely level for all shots. A 35 mm camera with a lens wider than 28 mm is best, and the camera should be set vertically instead of horizontally on the tripod. The wider the view, the less photographs that have to be taken.
Exposure is another key element.
Blending together later will be difficult unless identical exposure is used for all views, and lighting must be adjusted accordingly. The second stage of the process involves the digitization of the images. This may be accomplished through having the developed prints pressed onto photo CDs or diskettes, or through scanning the negatives directly into the computer. If prints are used, care must be taken to ensure that they are processed at the same exposure. Retouching may be required at this stage.