Using PhotoSynth and digital technology very often feels like cheating. I am particularly reminded of this when I see something hand-made or creating using a rustic method which doesn’t afford the luxury of Apple-Z.
Whilst I rotate my wrist with an iPhone in order to capture a panorama – at no expense to myself – the olden days method using 35mm film was not only shot blind, but was potentially insanely expensive. David Hockney’s work in particular, although not strictly panoramas and more interested in pseudo Cubistesque representations, is still seen as the top end of the old style film method.
This is my favourite Hockney composite:
Fortunately Hockney’s bank balance must have been healthy, and his level of patience good for his work in this field. Pete on the other hand, had more limited resources and his work was more off the cuff. He described to me that he just decided to photograph his bike atop a Yorkshire peak with his 35mm camera and ended up rotating and snapping (and repeat). The photos were then developed and positioned. The result is brilliant and, returning to my original point, makes me feel
like a sham.
Pete, I applaud your patience:
On another note, Pete also mentioned that he considered doing a circular panorama with this. I think I’ll have to try a few (albeit using my digital crutches).
