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Have you ever seen a photograph in which a moving subject is sharp,
and the background seems to be rushing past? This effect can be achieved by using a technique called 'panning'. Panning involves moving the camera along the path of the subject's movement. |
| This technique may sound complicated, but it is actually quite easy to pan a moving subject whether you use an SLR or a compact. |
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Choose the Right Shutter
Speed: Your choice of shutterspeed depends on how fast your subject is moving. For example, if you are panning a vehicle, you may require a shutterspeed of around 1/30 sec. On the other hand, you may go as slow as 1/15 sec to pan a person walking on the street. Switch to shutter priority mode so that you can alter the shutterspeeds on the fly, and allow the camera to decide the aperture. If you are using a compact camera that does not allow manual control over shutterspeeds, use a Scene mode like Indoors or Night mode that, by default, chooses slow shutter speeds. |
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Keep Your Main Subject in
Focus: Accurate focusing is important while panning a subject. Focus on the subject when it is approaching. Then, while keeping the shutter release(the button that you press when taking the picture) half pressed track the subject and move your camera along with it. Trigger the shutter when you feel that the framing and action are just right. |
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| In SLRs, it is important that your focusing mode must not be on Continuous. Since that will make the camera hunt for a new focusing point whenever you move it.Another option would be to use manual focusing. Focus forehand on an area where you want the subject to appear. Then, simply track its motion and ensure that you press the shutter when it has reached the area you had focused on. |
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The Right
Technique: Keep your feet still when you attempt to pan a subject-only the top half of your body must move. After focusing on the subject, press the shutter release gently and continue to follow its motion. The follow-through is the most important part of his technique and ensures that your subject is sharp. |
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Have Fun With
It: The key to panning is practice, Go out on a busy street and pan cars,buses, taxis and commuters. You will not only improve your technique with practice, but also understand how to use the right shutterspeeds. Experiment with different styles. Try a vertical pan, if your subject is moving from a higher level to a lower one; for example a child on a giant wheel. |
