Panning Photos For That Speedy Look

 

Panning is a photographic technique you can use to create a blurred background effect, illustrating movement, while keeping your subject sharp.

 

Here's how to go about it:

 

• Use the cameras focusing capability to pre-focus on a spot directly in front of you where your subject will be when you start the exposure. You may have someone stand there, or place an object there, so your camera can focus on that spot.

 

• Stand firmly with the camera to your eye and twist the upper part of your body slightly in the direction from which the subject will come.

 

• Begin following the subject as soon as the person, animal or object appears in your camera's viewfinder.

 

• When the subject reaches the spot you focused on, release the shutter and continue following the subject in one smooth movement.

 

• The background should be of uneven tones and the path of motion should be as parallel as possible.

 

• Use the slowest possible shutter speed at the highest possible f-stop.  Bracket the shutter speeds.  A shutter speed around 1/15 to 1/30 of a second probably will work best.

 

Want to try it? Snap some shots of a jogger, a cyclist and a car.  Which turned out best?