Lake Martin Panorama–Photograph & Post Processing Techniques
Late Evening at Lake Martin
About the Lake Martin Panorama
In the Lake Martin Panorama, I’ve captured the essence one of Louisiana’s most picturesque swamps, a scene of pure magic as evening sets in. The warm hues of the setting sun bathe the cypress trees in golden light, reflecting off the still waters and creating a breathtaking view. It was in this tranquil moment, in May of 2016, that I captured a panoramic photograph—one that embodies the serenity and beauty of this iconic landscape. The boat with the fisherman is an important element at this wonderful place.
Technical Details
Using a Nikon D810 mounted on a tripod with a panoramic head, I carefully framed the scene with a Zeiss 50mm lens set at f/8, 1/60s, and ISO 64. This setup ensured maximum sharpness and dynamic range to capture the intricate details of the lake and sky. I took three separate images, each overlapping slightly to allow for a seamless stitch in post-processing. The lack of Spanish moss in the scene placed greater emphasis on the cypress trees' bold forms and their reflections in the water. Above, the sky was adorned with beautifully textured clouds, which added depth and drama to the composition.
Post Processing
Once back at my workstation, I used Lightroom Classic to stitch the images together. The software handled the alignment and blending flawlessly, preserving the natural transition of tones and maintaining the depth of the original scene. The result was a high-resolution panorama that captured the full breadth of Lake Martin’s evening splendor—rich colors, soft light, and a near-perfect reflection on the water’s surface.
Capturing a panorama in low light presents challenges, but the effort was worth it. This photograph is more than an image—it’s a glimpse into the quiet majesty of Lake Martin as the day fades into night. It remains one of my favorite images from that year, a testament to the timeless beauty of Louisiana’s wetlands.