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This panorama is my answer to Kilgore's GigaPan, The View From Above, http://www.gigapan.org/viewGigapan.php?id=7536. It is not as *grand* as his, but then Houston, Texas is not Bath, England.
Hand-held panorama of the Houston skyline comprised of 44 photos taken in a brisk wind, using a P&S camera, the SX110. Note: at the altitude of a six-story parking garage, the wind velocity was enough that this panorama could not have been accomplished had I not used image stablization since the camera was at maximum optical zoom. I went job-searching today and was told that for the for job I was seeking, I might as well go to the Moon! So, I went to the top floor of the parking garage and looked for the Moon, but all I found was this incredible sweeping panorama of downtown Houston all the way to Reliant Park and the Astrodome, and we also see the Texas Medical Center and Rice University:) As time goes by, there may be a *large* number of snapshots discovered in this hand-held panorama, stitched using the GigaPan Stitcher. |
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This is the pinnacle of my 2009 GigaPan effort :) 1000 feet up looking out on all of Houston ... what an experience, and I may be going back again.
From Wikipedia: The 75-story, 1,002-foot (305.4 m) tall JPMorgan Chase Tower of Houston, Texas, formerly the Texas Commerce Tower, is the tallest building in Texas, the tallest five-sided building in the world, and is the 45th tallest in the world. http://tinyurl.com/5qkn68 This hand-held panorama has been stitched using the GigaPan Stitcher software and the 26 photos comprising the panorama were taken with a Nikon D70 using a Nikkor 50mm f/1.8 lens and a Heliopan UV filter. Additional details can be found under Stitcher Notes. |
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Note: an earlier GigaPan, http://www.gigapan.org/viewGigapan.php?id=30905 , did not include the panoramic view of Pasadena and the Houston Ship Channelarea as does this panorama.
Taken from the 24th floor of Hilton Americas Hotel: http://tinyurl.com/2og9ru An stunning view of Houston from Galena Park and the Houston Ship Channel area westward to the heart of the downtown area, especially so since there are two pillars not shown in this panorama, but yet the view can almost be considered seamless except that the railing shows where there should be a pillar(s). The GigaPan Stitcher comes though with flying colors on this one. The view, taken from the 24th floor and was breathtaking as I took it using my trusty Nikon D70 (soon to be retired) and a Nikkor 50mm f/1.8 lens. There is no Photoshop on this panorama, only the GigaPan Stitcher, and the collection of photos were taken hand-held. |
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This from Dave McGary's website, http://www.davemcgary.com/biography-of-dave-mcgary.htm
On February 22, 1998, Dave installed a 30-foot tall, 15-foot wide monument weighing over ten tons at the Houston Astrodome. The sculpture, “Touch the Clouds”, depicts a nineteenth century Miniconjou Chief who fought alongside Crazy Horse at the Battle of Little Big Horn. The project was announced at a ceremony and national media press conference in February of 1996, where Dave unveiled a 43 inch bronze Masterwork of the monument. Although the fine art collection owned by The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is extensive, Touch the Clouds is the first Native American depicted and the largest bronze figure of the sculpture collection. As I began to take this panorama, a MetroRail Train zoomed by heading south, and one can readily see the *zoom* movement. Taken on a very hot weekend in Houston using a Nikon D70 camera and a Nikkor 50mm f/1.8 lens. This stitched image was created using the GigaPan Stitcher software and additional details can be seen in the Stitcher Notes. Note: Reliant Park is home of the Offshore Technology Conference. |
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Kilgore661 has always been an inspiration for me and one of his most incredible GigaPans, View From Above (http://www.gigapan.org/gigapans/7536/), has always been at the top of my list for exceptional panoramas. I have been to Bath Abbey *numerous* times, but never got to the top as he was able to accomplish. However, I have been to the Top of Texas (http://www.gigapan.org/gigapans/34909/). Based on Kilgore661's panorama and my panorama, I am sure that there are many others from all over the world, that can be sub-titled, View From Above; however, I feel that Kilgore661 has nailed the title of View From Above already, and although my selection is a View From above, it is not *THE* View From Above.
It is my request that those that want to participate submit their unique view from above (as an example(s), a panorama from the highest place in your City or State or Country). The primary snapshot is the view from the edge of the roof of JPMorgan Chase Tower looking down at the Hilton Hotrel from where I took this panorama: http://www.gigapan.org/gigapans/30986/ As can readily be seen, this is a small GigaPan... it would have been larger had it not been for electronic interference or user error. It was taken with the Canon SX110 attached to a beta robot and stitched using the GigaPan Stitcher. Additional details can be seen when clicking Stitcher Notes. Viewing in Google Earth is a true visualization of the scene. |
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The location from where this panorama was taken can be seen from a previous GigaPan: http://gigapan.org/viewGigapan.php?id=27578&snapshot_id=91286.
The climb to the top was strenuous to say the least, but the intense heat had not arrived, so I survived. The view is indeed stunning and I would love to return with the D70 and the 70-200mm f/2.8, but that will only happen when the sky is blue and the temp is low. The Google Earth View is very nice, and can be seen via the link, View in Google Earth. For a similar panorama, look at Job Seeker's Panorama: http://gigapan.org/viewGigapan.php?id=25935 |
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This, from the 2007 Houston Livestock and Rodeo Media Guide regarding Wild and Free: Created in celebration of the Show’s 60th anniversary in 1992, Ed Hayes’ “Wild and Free” portrays the spirit of freedom through three mares, two colts and a stallion. There are eight statues in the Carruth Plaza and all of them are unique and extraordinary. This, adapted from the 2007 Houston Livestock and Rodeo Media Guide regarding Carruth Plaza: Amid native Texas landscaping and decomposed granite pathways, a collection of large-scale bronzes from the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™ call Carruth Plaza at Reliant Park home. Located in a prime location between Reliant Astrodome and Reliant Stadium, just south of Reliant Center, the Plaza was made possible due to a grant from The Wortham Foundation, Inc. Named after Allen H. “Buddy” Carruth, who served as president of both The Wortham Foundation and the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Carruth Plaza serves as a tribute to the renowned Houston philanthropist who dedicated many hours to serving the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and the people of Harris County. In addition to naming the Plaza in his honor, a special Carruth Circle features an obelisk topped by a Smithsonian Armillary Sphere. In their space, the sculptures are surrounded by a tranquil setting that includes a flowing stream and “Texas heritage-style” landscaping, with such native Texas plants as cactus, yuccas and live oak trees. With trees and curved limestone walls behind most of the Western art sculptures, areas of seating are placed in close proximity to each work of art for maximum enjoyment. Taken on a very hot weekend in Houston using a Nikon D70 camera and a Nikkor 50mm f/1.8 lens. This stitched image was created using the GigaPan Stitcher software and additional details can be seen in the Stitcher Notes. Note: Reliant Park is home of the Offshore Technology Conference. |
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This, from the 2007 Houston Livestock and Rodeo Media Guide regarding The Cookie: Summoning weary cowboys to the chuck wagon, “The Cookie” stands ready to ring the dinner bell and, with hand to mouth, to call in the cowboys. Created by Eric Kaposta, the bronze was unveiled in 1997. There are eight statues in the Carruth Plaza and all of them are unique and extraordinary. This, adapted from the 2007 Houston Livestock and Rodeo Media Guide regarding Carruth Plaza: Amid native Texas landscaping and decomposed granite pathways, a collection of large-scale bronzes from the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™ call Carruth Plaza at Reliant Park home. Located in a prime location between Reliant Astrodome and Reliant Stadium, just south of Reliant Center, the Plaza was made possible due to a grant from The Wortham Foundation, Inc. Named after Allen H. “Buddy” Carruth, who served as president of both The Wortham Foundation and the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Carruth Plaza serves as a tribute to the renowned Houston philanthropist who dedicated many hours to serving the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and the people of Harris County. In addition to naming the Plaza in his honor, a special Carruth Circle features an obelisk topped by a Smithsonian Armillary Sphere. In their space, the sculptures are surrounded by a tranquil setting that includes a flowing stream and “Texas heritage-style” landscaping, with such native Texas plants as cactus, yuccas and live oak trees. With trees and curved limestone walls behind most of the Western art sculptures, areas of seating are placed in close proximity to each work of art for maximum enjoyment. Taken on a very hot weekend in Houston using a Nikon D70 camera and a Nikkor 50mm f/1.8 lens. This stitched image was created using the GigaPan Stitcher software and additional details can be seen in the Stitcher Notes. Note: Reliant Park is home of the Offshore Technology Conference. |
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There are eight statues in the Carruth Plaza and all of them are unique and extraordinary. This, adapted from the 2007 Houston Livestock and Rodeo Media Guide regarding Carruth Plaza: Amid native Texas landscaping and decomposed granite pathways, a collection of large-scale bronzes from the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™ call Carruth Plaza at Reliant Park home. Located in a prime location between Reliant Astrodome and Reliant Stadium, just south of Reliant Center, the Plaza was made possible due to a grant from The Wortham Foundation, Inc. Named after Allen H. “Buddy” Carruth, who served as president of both The Wortham Foundation and the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Carruth Plaza serves as a tribute to the renowned Houston philanthropist who dedicated many hours to serving the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and the people of Harris County. In addition to naming the Plaza in his honor, a special Carruth Circle features an obelisk topped by a Smithsonian Armillary Sphere. In their space, the sculptures are surrounded by a tranquil setting that includes a flowing stream and “Texas heritage-style” landscaping, with such native Texas plants as cactus, yuccas and live oak trees. With trees and curved limestone walls behind most of the Western art sculptures, areas of seating are placed in close proximity to each work of art for maximum enjoyment. This, from the 2007 Houston Livestock and Rodeo Media Guide regarding Texas Legacy: Created by Robert Summers, six majestic Texas Longhorns are guided by two vaqueros on horseback in “Texas Legacy.” A gift in 1987, the bronze epitomizes Texas’ Western heritage. Taken on a very hot weekend in Houston using a Nikon D70 camera and a Nikkor 50mm f/1.8 lens. This stitched image was created using the GigaPan Stitcher software and additional details can be seen in the Stitcher Notes. |
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This, from the 2007 Houston Livestock and Rodeo Media Guide regarding Team Ropers: The bond between a boy and his dog is portrayed in “Team Ropers.” Created by Veryl Goodnight and dedicated in 1991, the bronze shows a boy holding a rope while his canine companion tugs on it playfully. This, from the 2007 Houston Livestock and Rodeo Media Guide regarding Yes!: The excitement of victory is captured in “Yes!.” The work of Lawrence M. Ludke, the sculpture portrays a young girl holding a first-place ribbon in her right hand, extended upward in joy. There are eight statues in the Carruth Plaza and all of them are unique and extraordinary. This, adapted from the 2007 Houston Livestock and Rodeo Media Guide regarding Carruth Plaza: Amid native Texas landscaping and decomposed granite pathways, a collection of large-scale bronzes from the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™ call Carruth Plaza at Reliant Park home. Located in a prime location between Reliant Astrodome and Reliant Stadium, just south of Reliant Center, the Plaza was made possible due to a grant from The Wortham Foundation, Inc. Named after Allen H. “Buddy” Carruth, who served as president of both The Wortham Foundation and the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Carruth Plaza serves as a tribute to the renowned Houston philanthropist who dedicated many hours to serving the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and the people of Harris County. In addition to naming the Plaza in his honor, a special Carruth Circle features an obelisk topped by a Smithsonian Armillary Sphere. In their space, the sculptures are surrounded by a tranquil setting that includes a flowing stream and “Texas heritage-style” landscaping, with such native Texas plants as cactus, yuccas and live oak trees. With trees and curved limestone walls behind most of the Western art sculptures, areas of seating are placed in close proximity to each work of art for maximum enjoyment. http://www.eddhayes.com/houston_livestock_show_rodeo.html Taken on a very hot weekend in Houston using a Nikon D70 camera and a Nikkor 50mm f/1.8 lens. This stitched image was created using the GigaPan Stitcher software and additional details can be seen in the Stitcher Notes. Note: Reliant Park is home of the Offshore Technology Conference. |