Vestrahorn, Iceland—one of the most photogenic mountains in the world—becomes even more magical when the Northern Lights dance above its jagged peaks. But capturing this moment in a way that does justice to its grandeur requires careful planning, precision, and technical expertise. In this blog, I’ll walk you through the process of executing a 9-frame mega panorama to produce a 3-meter-wide print that truly immerses the viewer in this breathtaking spectacle.

Mastering the art of visualisation in landscape photography, particularly for panoramic compositions, is about seeing the final image in your mind before even pressing the shutter. Timothy Poulton, an experienced panoramic photographer and mentor, emphasises the importance of pre-visualisation—developing a deep understanding of light, composition, and storytelling before taking a shot. This skill allows photographers to anticipate the conditions, frame their shots with intention, and create images that evoke emotion and atmosphere.

Photography isn’t merely the art of freezing time; it’s the alchemy of crafting emotion, storytelling, and inspiration. A powerful image can take us on a journey, evoke feelings we thought long forgotten, and ignite a spark of wanderlust that lingers. Photography inspires. A breathtaking image of Patagonia’s Torres del Paine might spark someone’s first hiking adventure.

As a panoramic landscape photographer who has traveled extensively across the globe, I have had the opportunity to test various cameras in some of the most demanding environments. My recent experiences, particularly high in the mountains during winter, autumn, and spring, have solidified the OM 1 Mark II as my go-to camera. Equipped with just a single lens—the versatile 16-50mm f4—this camera has proven to be an indispensable tool in my kit.