1.) Panning
is a camera technique that emphasizes subject action / motion.
2.) Panning works best when your subject is
moving across your field of view
(not toward you or away from you).
3.) Panning works best when your camera’s
shutter speed setting is 1/60th second or slower.
4.) Panning produces an image where the subject
is sharp but the background shows a blur in the direction of the action.
Steps in Panning
1.) Adjust
the camera’s settings so that the shutter speed will be 1/60th second or
slower.
(1/30th
second works very well for most situations,
1/15th
second also works well but your subject may not be as sharp as when
1/60th
or 1/30th second settings are used.)
2.) “Pre-focus” the camera on the spot where the
peak action will be.
3.) Move your body “with your subject”
- follow your subject’s motion
- move the camera at the same relative
speed as your subject is moving
- try to keep your subject in the same
position in your camera’s viewfinder.
4.) While you are in motion, gently press &
release your shutter release button as your subject reaches the point where you
have pre-focused.
5.) Remember to “follow through” by continuing
to “move with your subject” even after you have pressed & released your
shutter release button
NOTE: You cannot use a flash unit when you are using a panning
technique because the short duration of the flash freezes all action.