Merging images 
in Lightroom and Photoshop CC 2015

I closed my eyes so I could see.
Paul Gauguin
The final image whose creation is the purpose of this essay
1 - Introduction
This essay describes how to create a collage, also referred to as a panorama, a merge or a stitch, by combining several digital captures in Lightroom and in Photoshop CC 2015.
2 - The image
In November 2015, while photographing during the 2015 Fine Art Photography Summit in Death Valley, I found myself on the Badwater salt flat at sunset.  Due to recent flooding the playa was covered with water, a rare occurrence in a land known for its dryness.  There were clouds in the sky, another uncommon occurrence.  On top of that, about 10 minutes after sunset, the clouds turned red.  When combined, these elements --the water, the reflections, the salt patterns, the clouds, the sunset colors -- created an opportunity for a unique photograph.
Faced with having to decide how to compose the image I decided to capture the entire scene because to me this was the best way to show ...