Emilie Meyer
Panning photography is a technique used to capture moving subjects while conveying a sense of movement and energy. It involves moving the camera horizontally, vertically, or diagonally as you press the shutter button, resulting in a beautiful streaked blur. This technique can be used to add drama to your shots, especially when photographing fast-moving subjects such as in sports or wildlife photography. When panning, it is important to use either Manual mode or Shutter Priority mode, with the latter being a favourite among photographers as it allows you to select the shutter speed while the camera chooses the appropriate aperture. Additionally, using Continuous shooting mode or Burst mode can help capture several shots in a fraction of a second, increasing your chances of getting the perfect shot.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Camera mode | Shutter priority mode (Tv) or Manual mode |
| Shutter speed | Slow (1/10 to 1/80 of a second) or fast, depending on the subject |
| Aperture | Set by the camera in Shutter Priority mode |
| ISO | 100 unless in very dark conditions |
| Drive mode | Continuous |
| Autofocus | AF-C on Nikon and Sony, AI-Servo on Canon |
| Lens | Mid-range zoom (travel zoom) reaching around 105mm |
| Camera equipment | A manual camera and a zoom lens |
| Camera movement | Side-to-side, up and down, or diagonally |
| Photographer movement | Only the upper part of the body should move; twist at the waist to follow the action |
| Photographer stance | Face the chosen background, stand with feet shoulder-width apart |
| Subject | Fast-moving, predictable motion |
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What You'll Learn
- Use Shutter Priority mode to control shutter speed while your camera chooses the aperture
- Position yourself so your subject will move perpendicular to you
- Use autofocus if you're a beginner or can't anticipate the subject's distance
- Use a monopod to keep a long zoom lens steady if you know the subject's trajectory
- Use burst mode to capture several shots in a fraction of a second
Use Shutter Priority mode to control shutter speed while your camera chooses the aperture
Panning your camera is a creative technique that captures moving subjects while conveying a sense of movement and adding drama to your shots. One way to achieve this is by using Shutter Priority mode, which allows you to control the shutter speed while the camera automatically chooses the aperture.
Shutter Priority mode, also known as TV mode, is a semi-automatic mode that gives you control over the shutter speed and ISO settings. It is particularly useful when you want to freeze motion or create super long exposures. For example, if you want to capture a soccer ball in mid-air, you can set a fast shutter speed of 1/1000 or faster, and the camera will select the appropriate aperture to achieve the perfect exposure.
When using Shutter Priority mode, you can maintain a consistent shutter speed across multiple shots, reducing the chances of blurry images. This is especially helpful when photographing fast-moving subjects or when lighting conditions are constantly changing. By prioritising the shutter speed, you can ensure that it remains above a certain threshold, which is crucial for capturing clear action shots.
While Shutter Priority mode is convenient, it may not always produce the desired results. For instance, if you prioritise the depth of field in your images, Aperture Priority mode or Manual mode might be better options as they allow you to have more control over the aperture setting. Additionally, Shutter Priority mode may not always result in accurate exposures, especially in challenging lighting conditions such as photographing a snowy landscape.
Shutter Priority mode is a valuable tool for photographers who want to capture dramatic action shots without worrying about constantly adjusting camera settings. It allows you to focus on capturing the moment while ensuring that your images are properly exposed. However, it is important to consider the limitations of this mode and be prepared to experiment with different settings to achieve the desired outcome.
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Position yourself so your subject will move perpendicular to you
To capture the perfect pan action photo, it is important to position yourself in a place where your subject will be moving perpendicular to you. This means that your subject should be moving from side to side in front of you, rather than directly towards or away from you. This technique works best with subjects that are moving at a constant speed, such as a car or a biker on a road.
When positioning yourself for a pan action photo, it is also crucial to consider your distance from the subject. If you are too close, you may not be able to capture the full motion of the subject. On the other hand, if you are too far away, you may lose the sharpness and detail of the subject. It is also important to ensure that you have a clear view of the subject and that there are no obstacles obstructing your shot.
Additionally, when composing your shot, consider the background of the image. Choose a background that will complement the subject and add to the sense of movement you are trying to capture. You can also use a shallow depth of field to blur the background and make your subject stand out.
To capture the perfect pan action photo, it is also essential to practice and refine your technique. This includes experimenting with different shutter speeds and camera settings to achieve the desired blur effect. It is also important to master the physical movement required for pan photography, which involves smoothly moving your camera at the same speed as your subject.
Remember, pan action photography is a creative technique that allows you to convey a sense of movement and energy in your images. By positioning yourself so that your subject moves perpendicular to you, you can effectively capture the motion and create dynamic and captivating photographs.
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Use autofocus if you're a beginner or can't anticipate the subject's distance
Panning photography is a technique where you move the camera as you press the shutter button to capture moving subjects and convey a sense of movement. It can be used to add drama and a sense of motion to your shots, making slower subjects appear to be travelling more rapidly.
If you are a beginner or cannot anticipate the subject's distance from the camera, use autofocus. This will help your camera continuously focus on the subject as it moves across the frame.
To do this, switch on your camera's continuous focusing mode (AF-C on Nikon and Sony, AI Servo on Canon). Then, begin focusing on your subject when it is in the distance, and keep the centre focus point trained on the subject's centre mass as you pan along.
You can also use autofocus to prevent your camera from refocusing while you pan. Depending on how far away you are from the action, you may need to experiment with Single Point AF or Zone AF to determine which produces better results.
Additionally, you can use the autofocus settings on more advanced EOS cameras to customise how the AF system responds to certain situations. For example, you can adjust the Tracking Sensitivity Control to tell the camera to continue tracking the subject even if an object comes between it and the target. This can be useful when panning, as objects such as trees or lamp posts may briefly get in the way.
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Use a monopod to keep a long zoom lens steady if you know the subject's trajectory
Using a monopod is a great way to keep your long zoom lens steady when taking pan action photos. This technique is particularly useful when you know the exact trajectory of your subject, such as in Formula One racing, where the cars follow a predictable path.
To effectively use a monopod, follow these steps:
- Mount your camera: Ensure that your camera is securely attached to the monopod. This provides a stable base for your camera, especially when using a heavy lens.
- Use a safety strap: For added security, attach a safety strap between the monopod and the camera. This can be done by utilising one of the lens mount points. A hand strap, such as a peak design cuff, can also be attached to the lens anchor point for further stability.
- Achieve the correct stance: Face your subject with one foot in front of the other. Place the foot of the extended monopod against the in-step of your rear foot to prevent slipping. Lean the camera forward until the monopod rests against the inner thigh of your forward leg, providing additional stability. Adjust the distance between your feet and the angle of the monopod as needed.
- Focus on your subject: Look through the viewfinder and focus on your subject by lightly pressing the shutter button. This is easier with the camera's autofocus feature, which continuously focuses on the subject as it moves.
- Pan with the subject: As your subject moves, pan the camera smoothly to follow its trajectory. Keep your upper body stable, twisting at the waist to track the subject.
- Capture the shot: Press the shutter button fully at the desired moment to capture the action shot.
Using a monopod in this manner allows you to stabilise your camera setup, enabling you to capture clear and focused pan action photos, even when using a long zoom lens.
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Use burst mode to capture several shots in a fraction of a second
Burst mode, also known as continuous shooting mode, is an excellent feature to use when taking pan action photos. It allows you to capture multiple shots in quick succession, increasing the likelihood of getting that perfect action shot.
To use burst mode, switch your camera from its single-shot mode to continuous shooting mode. This setting can usually be found in your camera's menu or by consulting its manual. Once activated, you can begin shooting by lightly pressing the shutter button, almost as if your finger is rolling off its surface. This gentle touch minimises camera shake and blurriness.
Hold down the shutter button as you pan your camera, following the action smoothly. Keep the button depressed until your subject has moved out of your intended spot. Your camera will then capture a rapid series of photos, all while minimising camera shake from repeatedly pressing the shutter button.
The number of shots you can take in quick succession depends on your camera's processing power and features. Most modern digital SLR cameras have continuous shooting rates of 3 to 8 frames per second, while high-end cameras can capture up to 14 or even 16 frames per second.
Burst mode is ideal for capturing fast-moving subjects, such as sports, wildlife, or other dynamic scenes. It ensures that you capture the moment with optimal clarity and timing, even in low-light conditions. However, it's important not to rely solely on burst mode, as it can lead to laziness in your photography and result in a vast number of files to sort through.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need a camera that allows you to change the shutter speed. While a fully manual mode is useful, you can also try pan action photography by using the shutter priority mode. Some cameras even have a panning mode built-in. A mid-range zoom lens is ideal for panning photography, but you can use a larger lens.
You can use either Manual mode or Shutter Priority mode. Shutter Priority mode lets you select a shutter speed while your camera chooses an aperture. Shutter Priority is especially useful when photographing in variable lighting conditions. If you are using Manual mode, you will also need to set an aperture to give you a good exposure.
Position yourself so that your subject will move perpendicular to you. You can also set up with the path in front of you, so the subject will move from left to right or right to left. This technique does not work when the subject moves toward you or away from you. Press the shutter button halfway to focus on the subject, then press it fully to take the image while sweeping your camera along with the subject's motion.
