Emilie Meyer
Panning is a fundamental camera movement that is used to reveal locations or subjects gradually, establishing the setting and tracking the movement of characters or objects within that location. It is a horizontal movement where the camera rotates left or right from a fixed position, allowing filmmakers to follow the action or reveal new elements within a scene. While panning is usually achieved by mounting the camera on a dolly, it can also be done handheld or with a drone. A dolly shot, on the other hand, involves physically moving the camera forward or backward, creating a sense of intimacy or distance and altering the viewer's perception. This movement can be achieved with a variety of equipment, from professional dollies to more affordable options like tripod dollies or table-top setups.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | A camera pan is a horizontal movement in which the camera moves right to left (or vice versa) from a central axis. |
| Camera Position | The physical position of the camera itself does not move. |
| Camera Movement | The camera swivels left to right on a fixed point, taking in a wider view as it turns. |
| Use Cases | To establish locations, track subjects within a scene, build suspense, and enhance storytelling by controlling what the audience sees. |
| Equipment | A pan can be achieved with just about any camera rig, including handheld, crane, or drone. |
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What You'll Learn
Use a handheld camera
Using a handheld camera is a great way to achieve dynamic camera movements without the need for a dolly. Handheld cameras offer versatility and can be used to create a variety of shots, including pans, tilts, and tracking shots.
When using a handheld camera, the camera operator has the freedom to move around the scene and capture unique perspectives. This allows for more spontaneous and fluid camera movements, which can add energy and realism to the footage.
To achieve a smooth and controlled pan with a handheld camera, it is essential to have a steady hand and a good grip on the camera. Practice makes perfect when it comes to perfecting your handheld panning technique. Start by finding a comfortable stance with your feet shoulder-width apart to maintain balance. Hold the camera close to your body, using both hands to support it firmly.
Frame your shot and identify the axis point of your pan. This is the central point from which the camera will rotate horizontally. Slowly and smoothly, pivot the camera left or right, maintaining a steady pace. Keep your elbows tucked into your body and use your entire upper body to move in unison, creating a smooth arc-like motion.
For more complex handheld panning shots, you can incorporate movements such as tracking or crabbing. Tracking involves following the subject from the side, maintaining a similar distance, and capturing their movement through the scene. Crabbing is similar to trucking, where the camera operator walks sideways to move the camera left or right, mimicking the movement of a crab.
With a handheld camera, you can also combine panning with other camera movements, such as tilting or zooming, to create dynamic and engaging visuals. Just remember that handheld shots can be more challenging to stabilise, so it's important to practise and find a rhythm that works for you.
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Try a tripod
A tripod is a common tool used in pans to help achieve a smooth and consistent turning motion for your camera. It can also lock off any vertical motion, ensuring that your pan will be on the same latitude the entire time.
There are many affordable tripod options available that can help you achieve a professional-looking pan. For example, the AmazonBasics 67-Inch Video Camera Tripod is a cheap tripod that can produce nice pans.
If you're looking for something even more affordable, you can try a DIY tripod dolly. For instance, Film Riot demonstrates how to make a PVC track and tripod dolly, which is cheap, simple, and surprisingly effective. Another option is to use a Gorillapod to create an adjustable tripod dolly. This option will cost you less than $20 and can be built in under 10 minutes.
When using a tripod, it's important to keep it from falling over by holding on to the pan head handle. Make sure the tilt mechanism in the pan head is loose, and use the handle to push/pull the tripod forward/backward to control its movement.
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Use a slider
Using a slider is a great alternative to a dolly for smooth and controlled camera movements. A slider is a type of camera mount that allows you to create slow and steady movements, making it perfect for b-roll, wide shots, time-lapses, and interviews. Here are some tips for using a slider effectively:
First, consider the length of your slider. A longer slider provides a longer range of motion, but it can be less stable and more cumbersome to transport and set up. Choose a slider length that strikes a balance between the desired range of motion and portability.
Second, pay attention to stability. A slider can lose stability as it gets longer, so it's important to ensure your slider is sturdy and securely mounted. You can increase stability by using a tripod as a base for your slider or by attaching it to a wooden base with bungee cords, as suggested by balsamstreet on YouTube.
Third, incorporate foreground elements. To make your slider shots more dynamic and obvious to the viewer, include objects in the foreground that are slightly out of focus. This technique showcases the slider movement and adds depth to your shots.
Fourth, experiment with focus pulling. Try focusing on a foreground element, such as a wall, and then gradually shift focus to your subject in the background. This technique adds dimension and visual interest to your shots.
Fifth, consider motorised options. Motorised sliders can be programmed to move back and forth smoothly and even pan simultaneously. These automated options can provide an effortless way to achieve complex movements without the need for manual operation.
Lastly, DIY solutions are available. If you're on a budget, consider building your own slider using online resources and guides. You can find creative DIY slider designs using materials like aluminium extrusions, skateboards, shopping carts, or even cardboard. These homemade solutions can be stable and effective, especially when combined with post-production stabilisation techniques.
In conclusion, using a slider offers a versatile and controlled approach to camera movements. With the right techniques and considerations, you can achieve smooth and engaging shots that enhance your visual storytelling, all without the need for a dolly setup.
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Mount the camera on a drone
Mounting a camera on a drone can be a great way to achieve panning shots without a dolly. Here are some steps and considerations to help you mount a camera on a drone:
- Choose a drone compatible with external cameras: Some drones, like those from Parrot and certain models from other vendors, have cameras built into their bodies. If you want to mount your own camera, look for a drone that supports external cameras. For example, GDU Technology's Byrd Advanced drone is designed to mount third-party cameras like GoPros.
- Consider the drone's payload capacity: Action cameras can be quite heavy, so ensure your drone can support the weight of your camera setup. The DJI Spreading Wings S900 is a hexacopter with a maximum takeoff weight of 18 pounds, making it suitable for action cams and DSLRs.
- Use a mounting system: Different drones have various mounting systems. For instance, the DJI Inspire 1 drone uses the Zenmuse Z15 mounting system, which can be adapted to fit different camera sizes and weights.
- Secure the camera: Ensure your camera is securely attached to the drone. You can use methods like zip ties, battery straps, or a custom TPU mount created with the help of someone with basic CAD knowledge and a 3D printer.
- Consider stabilization: To avoid unstable footage, vibration, and drift, invest in an anti-vibration mount or a gimbal to stabilize your camera.
- Frame your shots: When framing your panning shots, remember that drones can provide unique vantage points and perspectives. They can also help you capture sweeping landscapes, as seen in "The Revenant," where the director used panning to showcase vast landscapes and emphasize the character's isolation.
Remember to check the drone's battery life, as adding a heavier camera may reduce flight time. Additionally, practice flying your drone and mastering camera panning techniques to capture the desired footage effectively and safely.
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Use a wheelchair
Using a wheelchair dolly is a great, versatile, and inexpensive way to achieve dolly shots without a traditional dolly. You can find a standard-issue wheelchair second-hand at thrift stores or online, and they are great for pushing in or pulling out shots, as well as tracking shots.
Wheelchairs are more mobile than a dolly on tracks and can perform complex and curved maneuvers. They are also great for long tracking shots, where the camera operator can face the subject while being pulled backward. This flexibility allows the camera operator to be seated or standing while shooting.
The wheelchair dolly is also useful for performing dolly zooms, also known as the Hitchcock zoom or Vertigo Effect. The camera operator can sit or kneel, with their hands free to manually adjust the zoom while being pushed at a medium to fast pace. This technique may require several takes to perfect, but the effort is worth the dramatic effect.
Another creative way to use the wheelchair dolly is to utilize gravity and inclines to control the movement. This technique can be used to simulate a character's point of view or to follow a movement that rapidly increases in speed. This method is more risky and requires a team of people to guide and catch the camera operator.
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Frequently asked questions
A camera pan is a horizontal movement in which the camera moves right to left or vice versa from a central axis.
You can achieve a panning effect without a dolly by using a handheld camera, a crane, or a drone.
Dollies allow for dynamic framing of scenes and interactions between characters or objects. They can evoke emotions and guide viewer attention more effectively than other techniques.
Alternatives to a dolly include a tripod, a slider, a wheelchair, a drone, or a table-top dolly.
An example of panning in film is in Antonioni's "The Passenger" when a slow panning shot along the horizon emphasises the severity of Nicholson's character being stuck in the desert.
