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Panning can create interesting effects in action photos. It shows motion in the object’s surroundings instead of having a moving object that looks completely still in the finished photograph.
This effect is really easy to learn, but a little harder to execute. Here’s how to get started.
The Basics
Panning effects are created by moving the camera to follow the action while the exposure is being created. The camera speed is set slower than needed and the camera is moved after the shutter button has been pushed.
Detailed Approach and Practicing
Now that you know how panning is done, let’s practice.
Start by placing yourself where you know there will be some action. For example, if you want to take photos of a bike race, place yourself far ahead of the action so you have time to set up. Take advantage of staying in hotels by busy highways. Setting up on a balcony above moving traffic is a great place to practice panning, day or night.
Once you have found the perfect spot, make sure your camera is set to shutter priority (S icon) or manual (M icon).
Now, set your shutter speed. You want a slow shutter speed. A fast shutter speed is speeds over 1/125. Using these speeds freeze your action, so you want to use a slower speed, or speeds between 1/8sec and 1/125sec. The speed depends on focal length, so look at what your focal length is and try to make sure it is close to the second number in your shutter speed.
Once you have your camera set up, zoom in so that your optical viewfinder encompasses the area where your subject will be when he goes by.
Press the shutter button as the subject gets close and follow it by twisting the trunk of your body and leaving your feet unmoving on the ground.
This will take some practice to get your technique just right. Beginners usually find that they need to tweak the time when they push the shutter button to accommodate the speed of the object.
Optional Panning Technique
You can also learn to pan in the opposite way. You can be the moving object focusing on a non-moving object.
Try sitting in the passenger seat of a car with the window rolled down. Make sure that your camera strap is around your neck so that your camera doesn’t fall out the window.
Next, focus your camera on an object that is ahead of you. Press your shutter button while the object gets close, and stay focused on it as you pass it by. This will produce a panned picture like the one below.
