Outdoor Photography Tips - Panning
Outphotography Tips - Index
Outdoor Photography Tips - Electronic Flash * Histogram * Composition
Outdoor Photography Tips - Panning
Panning works in Conjunction with Shutter Speed and Depth of Field
Panning is a technique that can give your photographs life and motion. The proper use of panning does require a little practice, but when get it right you will love the results.
The idea behind panning is that you pan your camera in step with your moving subject. The end result is a relatively sharp subject with a blurred and streaked background.
The end result is a photograph which gives the picture a feeling of movement and speed. The technique is particularly useful in capturing fast moving subjects such as race cars, pets, cyclist, and of course sports photography.
Note how the background has the look of motion.
The easiest subjects to use panning are those that are on a relatively straight trajectory where you can predict the path of the subject. Objects that are moving side to side, such as a football player, are challenging and can result in poor photographs.
How do you PAN?
- Use a slower shutter speed than normal. If you are shooting in Sports Mode you may want to switch to Shutter Priority. This mode allows you to have control of your camera. Start with 1/250 second and then lower the speed as you get better at following your subject. Depending upon the amount of light and the speed of your subject you could end up with a shutter speed of 1/60 or slower. Always watch your camera settings and zoom in on your preview.
- Pick the right spot. Position yourself where your view of the subject will not be obstructed. As always, pay attention to the background. Even though the background is blurred distracting shapes or colors can be distracting. Simple backgrounds tend to work best.
- Learn to follow, or track, your subject. A tripod or monopod is a great aid in keeping the camera study. When standing I prefer to stand with my feet at shoulder width and turn from my waste. The longer the focal length of your lens the more you will want to use a monopod or tripod with a swiveling head.
- For best results find a position that places you parallel to the path. This makes focusing easier.
- If you have a camera has an automatic focus mode try using it.
- If your camera can't focus fast enough use a single shot focusing mode. Try pre-focusing on a spot by depressing the shutter half way and hold it down while you track the subject. Once the subject passes the focus point depress the rest of the way.
- Learn the rhythm of your camera. Most cameras have a ’shutter lag’ delay from when you press the shutter and when the photograph is taken. You will need to learn to anticipate the time delay from pressing the button to when the photograph is taken.
Summary
Learning to pan requires some patience and practice. Once you have it down you will find that it opens up a lot of creative possibilities for your photographs. When you have the technique mastered you will have combined the technical aspects of the camera settings, better learned how to anticipate shutter lag, and developed the ability to track your subject smoothly with your whole body.
