At last night's meeting Mark gave us some great tips for creating dramatic panorama shots and demonstrated one software option for doing the stitching required to combine the multiple images into one. Another option may already be on your computer if you use Photoshop or Photoshop Elements. 
Here is a good tutorial explaining the "How-to" in Photoshop:
http://digital-photography-school.com/how-to-shoot-really-big-panoramas
You will see that there are several options for the perspective: Auto, Cylindrical, Reposition, etc. And there is a link that goes to an explanation of each one. Some might be more appropriate for the look you are trying to achieve and for the particular perspective in which you made your original images. 
In Photoshop Elements v.11 you have the same options shown plus one called Interactive but they are found under the edit menu "Enhance": pull down to find "Photomerge", "Photomerge Panorama". I think older versions of Elements follow the menu shown in the tutorial. 
Try the different options to see what works best. I have had the best luck with Reposition and Auto.
I found it interesting to take note of the layer masks that are created in the process--curvy squiggles on each of the individual images where the software finds the best places to merge them. Try doing that manually! [view them in the right hand column showing layers].
In addition, Photoshop and Elements offer to fill in those gaps left at the top and bottom based on surrounding content. I only do this if they are very small. I don't trust it to fill in large gaps.
If you have tips on shooting or using software, please add them in a comment below.
Hope we don't freeze Sunday for the workshop!

Here we are about 2 months into the club year and as the returning members know, it’s time for submitting files and prints for various club events. It can be overwhelming, especially for the new members. Send files for this, send files for that; prepare prints for this and that exhibit. I see the glassy eyed response at the meetings.

Take a deep breath. It’s not so bad.

Here’s my approach.

First I keep my images fairly well organized. Throughout the year, as I complete a shoot, I try to apply as many key words as I can think of. And I rate the images; is it a standout or just so-so? Here is where organization software really, really helps. I happen to like Lightroom for organizing and developing my image files. When it comes time to submit images for this or that, I can search my image library for my best work, based on my rating system, and the subject if that’s what’s needed. If I decide an image is worth printing I export it from Lightroom to a folder “to print” [I have many of my images printed by an outside print lab rather than doing it myself]. Then a few times a year I send in my order for prints. If I want to use images for a digital presentation, I export them to designated folders using appropriate file size and naming. These are all now readily available to send when needed.

Secondly, I reuse images for multiple events. You don’t need new images for each event. Images that you exhibit in a show can be then used for a competition or the next show. We only require that they not be used twice for the same event. Thus, an image at the Scranton Library this year can’t appear there next year but it can be used at another venue. I have a notebook in which I keep track of what images I use each time.

If you’re new or just unsure of the whole camera club process, start small. Pick out one or two activities that appeal to you. Maybe you don’t want the burden of printing, matting and framing. Though we’d like everyone to show off his or her work to the public, it’s understandable that some of you don’t wish to go this route. If the ‘competition’ aspect is what deters you, ignore it and just exhibit your favorite work. Images in exhibits do not have to be competitive. If it’s a print you like, show it off. The portfolio exhibit is a great place to get started. It’s all about what you like to shoot without the stress of categories and competition. Still, many members opt out of exhibits. The beauty of digital photography is the relative ease of sharing images via files and digital projection. Do try to send in a file for the 40-image review. Send a few for competition. What have you got to lose?! Feedback can sting but believe me it helps you in the long run. I think of it as competing with myself; if my scores are better this year than last year I know I’m improving. And best of all, work on the Members’ Project and share those when we announce the deadline. It’s fun and challenging and always interesting to see what other members have produced.