Panoramic Street & Coastal Photography
Panoramic photography often calls to mind wide vistas and sweeping landscapes, but when used in more intimate urban or social settings — like the beachfront café precinct of Merewether — it takes on a new role.
Rather than isolate a subject, the panoramic format invites context. It allows the viewer to absorb environmental storytelling: café umbrellas, people in conversation, surfers walking along the shoreline — all captured in one expansive, cinematic sweep.
This genre requires a slower, more observational eye. One that looks not just for “moments,” but for relationships between elements across a broader field of view.
The Tool: Widelux F7
Unlike most panoramic cameras that crop or stitch images digitally, the Widelux F7 uses a swing-lens mechanism. The lens physically rotates during exposure, sweeping light across a curved film plane. This creates a natural panoramic frame without any post-processing manipulation. The result? Organic distortion, bending horizons, and immersive storytelling.
Advantages:
Authentic panoramic perspective without cropping resolution.
Unique lens distortion adds an artistic, dreamlike quality to static scenes.
Minimalist design encourages simplicity — just aperture, shutter, and your eyes.
Disadvantages:
Fixed shutter speeds limit versatility in low light.
No viewfinder coverage of the full frame, making composition partly intuitive.
Mechanical quirks — banding, overlap issues, and uneven exposures are common if the camera hasn’t been serviced.
In short, the Widelux demands respect. It’s not about technical perfection; it’s about embracing imperfections to create expressive, engaging work.
The Medium: Ilford Pan F+ 50
Paired with Ilford Pan F+ 50, the image takes on an entirely different mood. Pan F is a low ISO, fine-grain film, ideal for bright daylight scenes like Australia’s east coast.
It delivers stunning detail and contrast, especially in architectural or high-sun environments. In this image, the blacks of the umbrellas, the crisp surf line, and the subtle tonal gradients in the sky are all elevated by Pan F’s classic tonal range.
Why use Pan F in 2025?
Because film isn’t dead — it’s deliberate. Using film teaches restraint, focus, and pre-visualisation. Each frame matters. And when matched with a timeless tool like the Widelux, it becomes a dance between format, light, and intention.
Why Share This at The Crafted Image Academy?
Because photography isn’t just about megapixels and mirrorless cameras. It’s about vision, technique, and creative decisions.
By studying and understanding alternative processes — like swing-lens panoramas, manual exposure metering, and film selection — modern photographers can deepen their skill set and discover new ways to see.
We encourage our students not only to learn the “how,” but to ask why a format, a film, or a frame speaks to them. This kind of slow, crafted photography builds stronger visual storytellers.
Final Thoughts
Christopher John’s Merewether image is a reminder that great photography doesn’t always scream. Sometimes, it whispers — with clean lines, soft grain, and a horizon that curves just enough to feel like memory.
If you’re curious about film, panoramic formats, or learning to “see” differently — reach out. The Crafted Image Academy offers workshops, mentoring, and events that celebrate both traditional and modern photographic craft.
Follow @chrisjohnart to see more from Christopher John, or browse our workshops at craftedimageacademy.com
📍 Based in Newcastle NSW | Sharing the art of photography one frame at a time.
#TheCraftedImage #ChrisJohnArt #WideluxF7 #FilmPhotography #IlfordPanF #PanoramicPhotography #BlackAndWhiteFilm #PhotographyEducation #AlternativePhotography #VisualStorytelling #CraftedNotSnapped #SeeDifferently
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