Emilie Meyer
Panning is a photography technique used to capture high-speed subjects, such as cars, by keeping the camera smooth and horizontal while swinging it from one side to the other. This technique results in a crisp shot of the car with a blurred background, giving the image a sense of motion and speed. To achieve this effect, photographers need to train their bodies to execute a gentle sweeping motion, using their upper torso to rotate smoothly while keeping their feet firmly planted on solid ground. Various factors, such as shutter speed, aperture, and ISO settings, also play a crucial role in perfecting the panning technique for car photography.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Camera settings | Shutter speed: 1/320 or 1/250 for normal speeds, 1/25 for slow speeds; Focus tracking mode; ISO 100 on a sunny day |
| Photographer stance | Feet pointed in the direction of the desired shot; rotate torso from the hips as the car approaches |
| Photographer arm position | Elbows tight to the body to minimize arm strain |
| Photographer eye position | Focus on a single spot on the passing vehicle |
| Environment | Choose a spot with a clear view of the cars as they approach, while in front of you, and as they speed away |
| Car speed | High speeds are not crucial for a good shot |
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What You'll Learn
Camera settings for panning cars
Panning shots are a great way to capture artistic images of moving subjects, especially cars. To get started, you'll need to set up your camera with the right settings. Here are the steps to achieve that perfect panning shot:
Camera Settings:
- Set your camera to Shutter Priority AE mode (Tv on Canon, S mode on other cameras). This mode allows you to manually select the shutter speed while the camera chooses the aperture, helping you focus on the critical setting for panning shots.
- Choose a suitable shutter speed. A slower shutter speed is ideal for panning shots as it creates a streaky, blurry background. For cars, a good starting point is around 1/30th or 1/25th of a second. You can experiment with faster or slower speeds depending on the car's speed and the desired blur effect.
- Set your ISO to 'Auto' or a low value like 100 on a sunny day. A higher ISO can introduce grain to your images, so it's best to keep it low unless lighting conditions require otherwise.
- Use a telephoto lens to maintain a safe distance from the cars. These lenses help keep the focus on the car as it speeds by.
- Set your focus mode to 'AI Servo' on Canon or 'AF-C' for non-Canon cameras. This setting ensures the camera continuously updates the focus to track the moving car.
- Enable Focus Tracking mode to keep the camera focused on the subject as it passes by.
- Select Burst Mode to capture multiple shots in one pass. This mode increases your chances of getting a sharp image of the car.
Additional Tips:
- Find a good spot with a clear view of the cars as they approach, pass by, and speed away. Ensure the cars are moving adjacent to your position, not directly towards or away from you.
- Hold your camera smoothly and horizontally, using your upper torso to swing it from side to side as the car moves.
- Practice your panning technique. Start with faster shutter speeds and gradually slow them down as you get more comfortable.
- Experiment with different settings and review your results to refine your technique.
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Mastering the panning motion
Mastering the art of panning motion in car photography requires knowledge, practice, and patience. Here are some tips to help you master this technique:
Choose the Right Equipment:
Select a camera that allows manual adjustments to settings such as shutter speed, aperture, and ISO. A higher frame rate will help capture smoother motion in your panning shots. Consider investing in tripods and fluid heads for added stability.
Understand the Basic Panning Motion:
Panning involves moving the camera smoothly while tracking a moving object, such as a car. It creates a sense of motion blur in the background while keeping the object relatively sharp. The key to a smooth panning motion is to rotate your torso from the hips, keeping your feet firmly planted on the ground and pointed towards the midpoint of the panning arc. Swing your shoulders and upper torso together with the camera, minimizing arm strain.
Practice with Different Settings:
Experiment with different shutter speeds, apertures, and ISO settings to find the best combination for your desired effect. Start with slower shutter speeds like 1/320 or 1/250 for normal car speeds, and adjust accordingly. Remember that a very fast shutter speed will "freeze" motion, while a slower shutter speed will blur the background and convey a stronger sense of motion.
Composition and Technique:
Apply the rule of thirds by dividing your frame into nine equal sections with two horizontal and two vertical lines. Place key elements of the car, such as headlights or the centre of the grill, along these lines or their intersections. This creates a balanced and visually appealing composition. Additionally, give your subject some lead room—space in the direction they are moving—to create a sense of motion within the frame.
Practice and Patience:
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Choosing the right environment
Location and Background:
Look for a spot that offers a clear view of the cars as they approach, pass in front of you, and speed away. Ensure there is a visually appealing background that complements the cars and creates a dynamic composition. Consider the lighting conditions as well, as good lighting can enhance your photos.
Safety:
When photographing fast-moving cars, safety should be a top priority. Avoid standing on slippery surfaces like gravel or mud, as you don't want to lose your balance while panning. Also, be cautious of your surroundings and keep a safe distance from the cars. Races can be dangerous, with potential hazards like flying debris or sudden vehicle crashes. Always stay alert and keep in mind that no photo is worth risking your safety.
Space to Move:
Choose a location that allows you enough space to move your camera smoothly and horizontally. You'll need room to swing your upper torso and camera without obstacles obstructing your motion or view.
Car Movement:
Select a spot where the cars will be turning across your body. This keeps the car turning around you, the photographer. When the car is turning at the same rate you're turning your camera, it becomes easier to capture sharp images and maximise the amount of time the car spends within view, increasing the probability of getting a good shot.
Practice Spots:
When starting out, it's beneficial to find locations where you can practice without the high speeds and challenges of a race track. Look for places like a local park with a cul-de-sac where a friend can drive slowly, giving you more opportunities to refine your panning technique. With practice, you'll be able to achieve sharper photos even at lower shutter speeds.
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How to set up for a basic panning shot
To set up for a basic panning shot, you will need to be stationary as the car drives by, swinging your camera horizontally to follow the car and create a nice effect for speed. Here are some key steps to follow:
First, find a suitable location with plenty of moving cars. A highway or busy main road can be ideal, but be cautious of your surroundings and stay alert for any potential dangers, such as flying debris or speeding vehicles.
Next, set up your camera settings. Put your camera on Shutter Priority mode (Tv on a Canon EOS or S mode on other cameras) and choose a shutter speed that matches the speed of the car. For a race car, you can start with a shutter speed of 1/60, and for normal cars, you can go even lower. If you want to capture a sharper shot, use a slower shutter speed, and for a more blurred effect, increase the shutter speed. Remember to also set your ISO to 'Auto' or around 100 to minimise noise in your images.
Now, it's time to work on your stance and technique. Position your feet firmly on solid ground, pointing in the direction where you want your shot to be taken, not where the car is approaching from. You can try putting your left foot slightly forward when swinging from left to right. As the car approaches, turn your upper body and shoulders towards it, keeping your feet still.
Finally, start shooting! Select "burst mode" and hold down the shutter release to capture multiple shots in one pass. Don't forget to review your photos after each series of shots to see what adjustments you need to make to your settings or technique.
With these basic steps, you'll be well on your way to capturing some impressive panning shots of cars!
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Safety precautions when panning cars
Safety should always be a priority when attempting to photograph cars. Panning cars is a technique where the photographer tries to keep the camera as smooth and horizontal as possible while 'swinging' it from one side to the other using their upper torso. This involves a lot of movement and requires a certain stance to be done effectively.
Firstly, it is important to be aware of your surroundings and your stance. Make sure your stance is firmly on solid ground, and be careful on gravel or mud as you do not want to slip while panning. Both feet should be pointing in the direction where you want your shot to be taken, not in the direction from which the car is approaching. You swing your body towards the car as it approaches, keeping your chest pointed directly at the car as it passes.
Secondly, it is crucial to maintain a safe distance from the cars. Panning is usually done with a telephoto lens, which allows the photographer to keep a safe distance from the cars while still getting a good shot.
Thirdly, be aware of the potential dangers of the track or road. Races and high-speed car events are dangerous places, especially when standing trackside as cars go by at enormous speeds. Always stay alert and be aware that anything can happen, from debris flying around to a car hitting the wall just inches away from you. Remember, no photo is worth your life.
Finally, some general safety precautions for working around vehicles include never working on a hot engine or brakes, never loosening or removing the radiator cap when the engine is hot, and never working underneath a car with the engine running. It is also important to let someone know if you are working on a vehicle, especially if you plan to raise it and work underneath.
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Frequently asked questions
You should rotate your entire torso from your hips, keeping your elbows tight to your body to minimise arm strain. Your stance should be firmly on solid ground and both feet should be pointing in the direction where you want your shot to be taken.
Put your camera on Shutter Priority AE (Tv on a Canon EOS) and dial in a shutter speed of 1/320 or 1/250 depending on the speed of the car. If you are working on an assignment, you may want to start with a faster shutter speed of 1/640 to ensure you get sharp photographs.
The ideal place for a crisp panning shot is on the infield side of a corner, keeping the car turning around you. This maximises the amount of time the car spends within view, widening the probability of landing a good shot.
Don't be disappointed if only 25% to 50% of your shots are usable. As you practice the panning motion, you'll find yourself getting sharper photos at lower shutter speeds.
