Mastering Motion: Panning Photography Techniques

Panning photography is a technique used to capture a sense of movement in images. It involves moving the camera along with a moving subject while using a slow shutter speed to create a motion blur effect. The goal is to keep the subject sharp and freeze it in motion while blurring the background, adding dynamism to the photograph. This technique can be tricky and time-consuming but is a great way to convey emotion and narrative in your images.

To achieve successful panning photography, there are several factors to consider. First, it is important to choose the right shutter speed, usually between 1/15 and 1/200 of a second, depending on the speed of your subject. Second, stabilisation is crucial, and a tripod can help you achieve smooth lateral movements. Third, autofocus or manual focus can be used, depending on your preference and the movement of your subject. Finally, practice is key to mastering this technique, so don't be afraid to experiment and analyse your results.

Choosing the shutter speed

Choosing the right shutter speed is crucial for successful panning photography. The shutter speed you select will depend on several factors, including the speed and distance of your subject, the lighting conditions, and the desired effect. Here are some guidelines and tips to help you choose the right shutter speed for your panning shots:

• The shutter speed controls the brightness of your photo and the amount of motion blur. A faster shutter speed freezes motion, resulting in a sharper image, while a slower shutter speed creates a blur effect, conveying a sense of motion.
• When panning, you typically want to capture motion blur to emphasise the movement of your subject. Start with a shutter speed of around 1/30 or 1/20 of a second and adjust from there. Slower shutter speeds will create more blur, while faster shutter speeds will reduce the blur effect.
• The speed of your subject is a critical factor in choosing the shutter speed. For example, a runner or a car travelling at high speed may require a shutter speed of 1/125 or 1/250 of a second to capture some blur while keeping the subject relatively sharp. In contrast, a slower-moving subject, like a cyclist, might call for a shutter speed of 1/30 or slower to achieve the desired blur effect.
• Your distance from the subject also plays a role in determining the shutter speed. The farther away your subject is, the slower it will appear to move, making it easier to pan with a slower shutter speed.
• Lighting conditions will influence your choice of shutter speed. In low-light situations, you may need to use a slower shutter speed to let in more light, but be mindful of potential camera shake and motion blur at slower speeds.
• Experimentation is key. Panning photography is a trial-and-error process, so don't be afraid to try different shutter speeds and evaluate the results. Over time, you will develop a feel for which shutter speeds work best for different scenarios.
• Consider using "Brent's Shutter Speed Rule": double the shutter speed compared to the focal length of your lens. For example, if you're using a 100mm lens, set your shutter speed to 1/200 of a second. This rule helps prevent camera shake and ensures sharp images.

Using a tripod

A tripod is a useful tool for panning photography, helping you capture sharp images and smooth pans. Here are some tips for using a tripod effectively:

Choose the Right Tripod and Head

Select a sturdy tripod that can handle your camera setup. Avoid cheap tripods that may not provide adequate stability. The head of the tripod is also important—look for one with a pan-and-tilt head, which offers basic two-axis control and a long panning handle for smooth movements. Professional tripods often allow you to switch the head, so you can choose one that suits your needs.

Set Up Your Tripod Properly

When setting up your tripod, ensure that the base is level and stable. Adjust the legs to find a secure position, especially if the ground is uneven. Extend the thicker leg sections first, as they provide more stability. Fully open the legs to their stopping points to prevent accidental movement during shooting. Position the tripod legs towards the subject or scene, so you can stand between two of the legs.

Mount Your Camera Securely

Secure your camera or lens tightly to the tripod to avoid accidents. Use an L-bracket instead of a single plate for better balance, especially when shooting in portrait orientation. If you're using a heavy lens, mount it to the tripod using its tripod collar to distribute the weight evenly.

Extend the Panning Handle

A longer panning handle provides extra leverage and helps you achieve smoother pans. If your tripod has a short handle, you can extend it using a metal or plastic pipe, or even a cardboard tube.

Choose the Right Settings

Use Shutter Priority mode to control your shutter speed while letting the camera adjust the aperture for proper exposure. Select a slow shutter speed to capture motion blur. Be cautious not to slow it down too much, as this can lead to overexposure. You can also try lowering the ISO or using an ND filter to achieve slower shutter speeds.

Practice Your Panning Technique

Panning takes practice, so don't be discouraged if your initial attempts are not perfect. Experiment with different shutter speeds, subjects, and compositions to refine your technique. Remember that panning works best when your subject is moving adjacent to your position, rather than directly towards or away from you.

Framing the shot

• Use framing to capture fast-moving subjects sharply with some motion blur in the background. You can do this by setting up your camera on a tripod or using a camera strap around your neck, allowing you to follow the moving subjects smoothly.
• Prepare your image by framing it as if the moving subjects are already in the scene, and then wait for the subject to come into your focal area.
• For the best results, match the speed of the moving subject as you pan the shot.
• Face your chosen background and stand with your feet shoulder-width apart for stability. Only the upper part of your body should move during the pan, so twist at the waist to follow the action.
• When panning, your subject should be moving adjacent to your position, not directly towards or away from you. If the subject is running towards your camera, you won't have the opportunity to move your setup, and your subject will just turn out blurry.
• Choose an interesting background that helps your subject stand out. Horizontal lines, such as a fence or the edge of a road, can add structure and give a greater sense of speed.
• When selecting your position, consider the distance between you and the moving subject. Keep some distance to give your lens enough space to focus. If you're too close, your lens may struggle to focus, and it will be harder to keep the subject in the frame.
• If you're photographing a fast-moving subject from far away, it will appear to be moving slower. Take this into account when deciding on your position.
• Consider the distance between the subject and the background. A shorter distance will allow for a more obvious blur, giving a more intense sense of speed.

Focusing the camera

Camera Settings for Focusing:

• Switch to Shutter Priority (Tv) or Manual (M) Mode: This allows you to control your shutter speed, which is crucial for panning photography.
• Choose an Appropriate Shutter Speed: Start with a speed around 1/60 sec and adjust as needed. Slower shutter speeds (e.g. 1/30 sec or slower) will create more blur, while faster speeds (e.g. 1/125 sec) will result in less blur. The ideal speed depends on factors such as the speed of your subject, your distance from the subject, your lens, and the desired blur effect.
• Adjust Aperture and ISO: While the shutter speed is the most critical setting, you may also need to adjust the aperture and ISO to achieve proper exposure. A higher f-number (e.g. f/16) can help reduce light intake on bright days.
• Continuous Shooting Mode: Set your drive mode to continuous to increase the chances of capturing the perfect moment and minimise camera shake.
• Autofocus Mode: Use your camera's autofocus in AI Servo AF mode (Canon) or AF-C (Nikon) to track the subject and maintain focus as it moves.

Focusing Techniques:

• Subject Movement: Ensure your subject is moving perpendicular to you, not directly towards or away from you. This allows you to track their movement with the camera.
• Timing: Anticipate when your subject will enter the scene and begin focusing on them through the viewfinder. Press the shutter button lightly to achieve focus.
• Panning Motion: Follow your subject's movement with the camera, using a smooth, stable motion. Start panning before the subject reaches your intended spot and continue panning even after they have passed.
• Hip Movement: If your subject is moving from left to right, try facing towards the right and then swivel on your hips to face left. This allows you to focus on the subject while slightly twisted and then return to a comfortable stance to take the shot.
• Practice: Panning photography takes practice to master. Experiment with different shutter speeds, distances, and subjects to improve your focusing skills.

Practising the technique

Panning photography is a creative technique that conveys a sense of movement in your images. It involves using a slow shutter speed and moving the camera along with the subject. While the technique is simple, it requires a lot of practice to master. Here are some tips to help you improve your panning photography skills:

• Choose your subject: Panning photography can be done with any moving subject, but if you're a beginner, it's best to start with recurrent subjects that move at a similar speed, such as cars passing by on a sidewalk. You can also try practising on pets, friends or family members who don't mind running or cycling in front of you multiple times.
• Set up your equipment: Set your camera to Shutter Priority mode (marked as "S" or "Tv" on most cameras) and choose a shutter speed of around 1/60s as a starting point. For a bicycle, you may want to start with a slower shutter speed of 1/30s. You can then experiment with different shutter speeds and distances to find the best settings for your specific subject.
• Use a tripod or monopod: When using slow shutter speeds, it's important to minimise camera shake. Using a tripod or monopod will help you capture motion without the blur caused by handheld shooting. If your subject is moving in a straight line, a tripod is a good option. For unpredictable movement, a monopod may offer more flexibility.
• Try vertical panning: While most panning shots are horizontal, you can also try vertical panning for subjects that move vertically, such as a child jumping on a trampoline. This can also be used to create abstract or impressionistic art.
• Shoot from a moving vehicle: For subjects like moving cars, you can try shooting from a moving vehicle that's running parallel to your subject at the same speed. Remember to follow appropriate safety measures and have someone else drive the vehicle.
• Use autofocus: It can be challenging to nail the focus manually when doing panning photography, so using autofocus can be helpful. Use the continuous focusing mode (AI-Servo on Canon, AF-C on Nikon) to keep your camera focused on the moving subject.
• Practice: Panning photography takes a lot of practice to master, so don't be discouraged if your initial attempts don't turn out perfectly. Experiment with different subjects, shutter speeds and techniques to improve your skills.

Frequently asked questions