I always want to push the limits of technology and create something no one has done yet using existing tools. Is it technically possible to shoot a gigapixel photo from the air using a robotic panohead such as the GigaPan or the Clauss Rodeon VR? This seems to be difficult to achieve because of so many factors, primarily the stability of the robotic panoramic head on a hovering helicopter and the time to complete a single panorama.

To get a feel of the process, I chartered a helicopter from Helijet on Aug 26, 2012. I spoke with Capt. Erin Johnstone who was very cool about the idea after explaining to her my objectives. For the 60 minute test flight, I just shot handheld using a Canon 5D MKII with an EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM. We flew over various spots of Vancouver. During the flight, Erin explained to me the flight restrictions over Vancouver such the the minimum hovering height, flight boundaries, etc. – info that I have to consider if and when I go ahead with the full gigapixel project.

Ronnie Miranda preparing for take-off (photo by Hilary Jardine)

Helijet’s Capt. Erin Johnstone

Here are the test panoramas from the flight. Each panorama is made up of about 30 individual photos stitched together. As you can see, there are many issues. But as a test, the images came out well considering that this was my very first attempt.

AT&T wanted to demonstrate its significant commitment to the Seattle community. Teaming up with the Sounders FC, Radarworks developed a season-long promotion offering exclusive value to the Sounders FC’s passionate fan base. To amplify brand engagement, Radarworks commissioned Ronnie Miranda to shoot a gigapixel panorama for the AT&T Scarves Up! Facebook gaming app.

Seattle Sounders vs Colorado Rapids on April 14, 2012 at Century Link Field, Seattle, WA. The 6,447 megapixel image is composed of 600 photos and was captured using a Canon 5D MKII, Canon EF 300mm f/4 L IS USM lens and the Clauss Rodeon VR Station ST.

Mikee Cojuangco-Jaworski is a champion equestrienne, television host and actress from the Philippines. She was a gold medalist in the 2002 Asian Games in Busan, South Korea. She is the niece of former Philippine President Corazon Cojuangco-Aquino, first cousin of fellow actress Kris Aquino and current Philippine President Noynoy Aquino.

I’ve known Mikee since 1997 when I created her official website which I continue to maintain to this day. I created some CGI visual effects for her TV show "Mikee" in 1997 and also provided some computer tech support for her through the years.

Having seen several multiplicity gigapixel action images, I wanted to create something similar. Mikee was very excited about the idea when I proposed it to her in 2011. We finally had the chance to execute this project during my brief visit to the Philippines in early 2012. Special thanks to Alice Dixson, Michelle Barrera (Mikee’s niece and fellow equestrienne) and Renacelle Cruz-Punzalan for their assistance during the shoot at Manila Polo Club.

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Mikee & Ronnie	Michelle, Mikee, Ronnie & Alice

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