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How to master panning
Techniques
24 October 2007 12:28
Add a sense of movement to your action and sports shots by perfecting your panning technique.
First select continuous autofocus mode. This mode will track moving subjects and is ideal for many panning shots. Make sure your focus point is located on your subject throughout the entire panning movement and you should get the focus spot-on.
Now set shutter-priority mode. To get the correct amount of blur in the background you need to be able to control the shutter speed. Shutter-priority (Tv) mode allows you to select the shutter speed you’re after, while the aperture will be set automatically by the camera to make the correct exposure. The shutter speed you choose will depend on how fast the subject is moving relative to your position, and how much blur you want. Remember that the longer the shutter speed, the smoother your panning action needs to be, so if you’re new to panning practise at faster shutter speeds and gradually work your way down to see the effect.
Now choose your focal length. Although it’s tempting to try to zoom the camera while following the subject in order to get the framing right, it’s much better to set the zoom in advance and leave it there. Try a few ‘dry runs’ before you start. The subject may appear small in the viewfinder when you start to follow it, but you’re much more likely to get the shot you’re after when the subject reaches the position that you want to capture it.
You’re now ready to capture your moving object.
START: Frame up your subject
Try to frame up the subject at the earliest opportunity and keep it in the frame as it comes towards you, trying to follow it smoothly. Make sure that the continuous autofocus has picked up the subject and keep the focus point on the area of the subject that you want to be sharp.
MID-PAN: Release the shutter
When the object reaches the point that you’ve selected, gently press the shutter. It’s all too easy to move up or down slightly at this point, especially if you press too hard on the shutter, which will cause the subject to become blurred.
FINISH: Keep panning
Continue to follow the subject even after you’ve taken your images. By continuing your pan you’ll get a much smoother action and get a much better consistency to your results.