Panoramic Photomontage

We specialise in photomontages from those views that are likely to be cause for concern from a public and planning perspective. These sensitive views have the potential to make or break a project, so Macro Works spares no effort in delivering simulations that are both accurate and realistic in every detail.

• Will the building be visible from this location ?
• Will the development be visible in a few years when those trees grow ?
• What will the landscaping look like when it is mature ?
• What will it look like at night with the lights on ?

These are just some of the problems that we encounter and provide solutions for as part of our Visual Impact Service at Macro Works.

Achieving such detail is complex and requires an acute and up-to-date knowledge of Photography and Digital-Processing; 3D Architectural Modeling, Lighting and Rendering; Photo-Real Graphics; GPS and Survey Technique; Geographic Information Systems.

Since preparing visuals for our first offshore wind development almost 10 years ago we have continued to capture photography and prepare photo simulations in a panoramic format. Thankfully those days of scanning negatives and stitching them in Photoshop using alpha channels has long past. We now use the latest in digital photographic hardware and software and have a fully customised workflow to help us output panoramic imagery of the highest quality.

It is important to note that all panoramas are captured in accordance with the latest photographic and simulation standards. We use cameras and lenses that are technically correct for the job at hand ensuring that our simulations are ‘as the eye would see them’ in reality. We supplement panoramic simulations with single shot simulations where necessary.

The benefits of the panoramic format are as follows:

See Entire Developments from Close-Up Viewpoints

Where there is a requirement for a photomontage of a proposed development from a close viewpoint it can be difficult to encompass the entire façade or site area (including landscaping) within the frame of a single photograph. Alternatively, to demonstrate the development over several individual frames is disjointed and can be confusing for the viewer.

Macro Works has spent several years honing a process to compile and present panoramic photomontages enabling us to demonstrate large developments in their entirety within a single image – from viewpoints both near and far. This allows the viewer to experience the proposed scheme in a coherent fashion as though standing at the viewpoint and panning the head from left to right across the entire scene.

Present Developments in the Context of Surrounding Landscape

Assessment of the suitability or otherwise of a proposed development in the landscape requires knowledge and/or a view of the landscape within which it is being situated. This can be achieved through a site visit or with ancillary photographs.

Panoramic photomontages allow the viewer to see the entire scene as it would be experienced from a given viewpoint and thus provides the context for a more informed assessment to be made.

Present Other Developments in the View

An important factor in determining the suitability of a proposed development in a particular landscape is whether or not there is a precedent already set. If there is another wind farm or industrial development in view from a given viewpoint, then it is important to include this information.

The panoramic format allows a proposed development to be viewed in the context of other structures already present, again, providing for a more informed assessment to be made.

Macro Works uses its experience of GIS for valuable decision support both in the office and in the field. For those developments that cover large areas e.g. roads and power lines, or which require visual impact assessment from long distances e.g. wind turbines, masts, quarries etc., GIS wins out in its ability to navigate and analyse large terrains and spatial datasets (vector and raster) with ease.

At Macro Works we believe that only real vegetation offers the photo-realistic look and feel that we strive for in our photomontages. In meeting the graphic requirements of detailed landscaping associated with many high-profile developments, we have compiled a comprehensive photographic library of trees and shrubs which we draw from in the course of our work. This unique resource helps improve quality, flexibility and turn-around time.

Our library is a significant asset to our work and is the result of many weeks of exploring (gardens, parks, housing estates, office blocks, industrial estates etc.); identifying (specimen trees and shrubs); photographing; sorting; post-processing and finally masking so that they are ready for use as required.

By identifying and photographing species at a range of growth intervals we can simulate the landscaping for a development at a number of stages post construction. This is particularly important when demonstrating the effects of vegetative screening over time.

Macro Works regularly tests the quality and accuracy of its photomontages against developments that have achieved planning and are now built. This is achieved using transparent acetates of our montages on site. The results are highly accurate. Despite this, we continue to carry out and monitor international research to improve our work practices where possible.