Landscapes are the most common subject for panoramic photographers, and arguably present less challenging technical problems than other subjects. Breathtaking scenes can be created by eliminating relatively uninteresting expanses of sky and foreground, and concentrating the viewers attention on a narrow slice of the subject usually close to the horizon. Water may add wonderful reflections, and even under overcast conditions the subtle tones are often sufficient to produce a stunning image. However, the field of view in the horizontal plane should be greater than that of the human eye to achieve true panoramic images.

When the sky is clear and strong sunlight is falling directly on to parts of a scene, it may be difficult to get acceptably even lighting throughout an image. Under such circumstances it may help to position the camera in the shade.

Vertical panoramic images are less common but can be even more striking. They reveal subjects in an unfamiliar manner and may arouse unique perceptions.

True panoramic images taken with the camera pointed slightly up or down exhibit curvature of horizontal straight lines such as the natural horizon.