Panoramas

George R. Lawrence (1869-1938) was an American photographer known for pioneering aerial photography. He was interested in technology and photography, using large-format cameras to capture panoramic images. He is famous for his aerial photos of the 1906 San Francisco earthquake and large-scale city and landscape views. George R. Lawrence lived from 1869 to 1938 and contributed to photography in the early 1900s, with his most significant work in aerial photography. Lawrence lived in Chicago, Illinois, and his work spanned across the United States. Lawrence used film photography and large-format cameras to take aerial panoramic photos. He often used glass negatives and specialized lenses for wide views. His style focused on nature and panoramic landscapes, often captured through aerial photography. Lawrence aimed to show the world from a new perspective, highlighting the beauty of landscapes and documenting important events like the 1906 San Francisco earthquake. “I have always been interested in the idea of showing things in a new and different way. Aerial photography offers a perspective that no one can get from the ground.” — George R. Lawrence One of George R. Lawrence's most iconic photographs is his panoramic aerial view of the 1906 San Francisco earthquake. This photograph is a striking example of how Lawrence used his large-format camera to capture the destruction from above. In this image, the vast extent of the damage is evident, with large portions of the city reduced to rubble. The composition is striking, showing the urban landscape stretching out in all directions, with the contrast between the damaged areas and the undamaged ones emphasizing the scale of the disaster. The monochrome tones in the photo give it a historical, somber feeling, making it a powerful reminder of the event. Lawrence’s use of aerial photography allows the viewer to see the city in a way that ground-level images could not convey, giving the viewer a sense of scale and perspective. This photograph communicates not only the destruction of the earthquake but also the resilience of the people who rebuilt the city in its wake.

Capturing both traditional and vertical panoramas had its challenges, like making sure the frames lined up correctly and keeping the exposure consistent. I solved this by overlapping the images carefully and using a tripod to keep the camera steady. When shooting panoramas, I changed how I composed the shot, focusing on making sure the frame was balanced and the horizon stayed level. I used Lightroom Classic to stitch the images together, which worked well automatically, but Photoshop helped me make finer adjustments. If I were to reshoot, I would improve the lighting, perhaps by shooting during golden hour or adding artificial light, and I would be more careful with framing and camera settings. Panorama photography is useful in many professional and creative areas, like architecture, virtual tours, and wide landscape shots. I could use this technique in my own work for travel photos or to capture busy events, giving viewers a wider view of the scene.