Sunrise over the Santa Monica Mountains, Los Angeles, California- REI Woodland Hills Store
REI Murals and Ian Bondi Photography- A History of Innovation and Collaboration
I was approached in June of 2014 to develop a consistent, repeatable solution for capturing high resolution images for use as REI store murals. The images needed to be a minimum of 30,000 x 10,000 pixels out of camera prior to any enlargement to achieve the necessary image quality.
With a previous background in automotive photography, I applied the lessons and technology I learned photographing campaigns for that industry to this problem and developed the solution which is the current accepted standard and guidelines for all Mural Photography.
The REI- Ian Bondi Mural Collection
I’ve had the privilege of creating murals for over 20 stores and counting. Below are a sample of some of the images I have created.
Click on an image to enlarge.
Continuing Innovation- Three Lens Formats and the Vertical Mural
With experience, comes insights. The more time I’ve spent doing these murals the more I realized that a one lens solution is very limiting. I have since developed three lens options which allows me greater flexibility when photographing. Similar to any camera system, I can now create murals using a standard, wide, or telephoto lens. All while still maintaining an approximately 30,000 x 10,000 pixel perspective. I’ve also laser calibrated my equipment down to the millimeter allowing for perfect stitching alignment from foreground to infinity.
In addition to several lens options, I’ve modified my equipment for vertical murals. Now it’s possible to shoot horizontal or vertical images up 30,000 x 10,000 pixels.
Wide Angle Lens: 31,552 x 12,201 pixels
Standard Lens: 33,622 x 13,536 pixels
Telephoto Lens: 34,310 x 13,760 pixels
High Resolution Vertical Murals-
Anchorage, Alaska
Personal Collection of Murals
My love for landscape photography doesn’t end with an REI assignment. I go out multiple times a year to experiment with new ideas, equipment, lighting, and locations.
Click on an image to enlarge.
