Image viewing system and method for use with a video telephony application. The method includes forming a panoramic image by moving the camera about at least one axis, capturing images from at least two different camera positions, and joining the images together. The method also includes presenting the panoramic image on a visual display device, receiving input from a user indicating that a subset of the panoramic image has been selected, pointing the camera in a direction corresponding to the selected subset, and presenting images from the camera corresponding to the selected subset on the visual display device. The system includes a camera with a controllable pivot assembly that pivots in at least one direction in signal communication with a computer, and a software module that directs the pivot assembly to move the camera and presents images on a display.