Panning
Panning is a photography technique that allows you to create a blurred the background and at the same time maintaining a fast paced subject in sharp focus. Panning is typically used in fast sports photos such as auto racing or team sports, although it can be used wherever both moving and stationary elements are in your frame.
Slow shutter speed in combination with panning the camera can achieve a
motion blur for moving subjects.
The wolf was moving at a pretty fast pace, as you can the focus was on his head.
Look at the above image: the wolf is obviously moving at a fast pace. The
background is blurred, while any fine details have receded into a featureless
smudge The wolf appearing the foreground, is in sharp focus, leaving an overall
feeling of a fast-paced, action shot, which is precisely what I set out to
accomplish.
How panning is achieved
To acquire a satisfactorily panned image, the camera's shutter release should be pressed as the camera is veer along the same axis as your moving subject. The goal being to keep the portion of the picture which you desire to remain sharp, exactly within the frame..
Typically the shutter speed needs to be set using a moderately slow speed, or by using a long lens which allows your background to become blurred during the exposure, although the precise speed is determined by the pace of your subjects. A slower paced subject will require a protracted shutter speed that results in a agreeably blurred background..
It is much more difficult to preserve a slow paced subject in sharp focus, as you would need it to stay in the precise frame position for a longer time frame.
The flawless pan
To acquire a evenly panned shot, you should start following your subject before pressing the shutter release, and by following from beginning to end until the shutter has reopened. This creates a nice smooth pan and avoids any jerkiness..
Another good idea is by pre-focusing your lens at the position where you desire your moving subject to be as you press the shutter release. Begin, by setting the camera to manual focus, then take a hard look at the setting, determining the location where you most predict the action to happen. Focus your lens at this location and wait. As your moving subject comes into view, begin following it through your viewfinder, however do not readjust the focus. As the subject reaches the spot, click and follow through..
Eureka a perfect panned photo!
A One legged assistant
The absolute best device ever created for panning is, naturally, the monopod. A monopod resembles a tripod, however it only has one leg. It provides you with the needed stability to
accomplish an even swinging motion and at the same time not interfering with any freedom of transfer..
However. monopods were not only created for panning, although they might have as well been, because they do a terrific job of it..
If you don't happen to have a monopod plus you don't want to part with your cash, a tripod can always be used, by extending one leg only. Although this is a less than perfect solution, as tripods are typically somewhat cluttered at the top, while a swinging tilt handle or swivel could take put someone's eye if you're not really careful. However at a very minimum this will let you know whether or not it's worthwhile making an investment in a monopod..
And if you don't even have a tripod? A cheap trick is by tying some string on the lens. Let the string drop to the ground and then step on it and pull it tight. This forces your camera to swing on an even axis. Give it a try as it
definitely works!.
Keep On Keeping On
This photography technique, like most others, takes much practice, so prepare for some frustration the first several tries..
After you've become proficient at it though, your sports image will be transformed and you'll be envied by less accomplished photographers..
After you become really good, you'll begin using it with all types of subjects you never even dreamed you would. You just might even begin using it while shooting wildlife.
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