Capturing Motion: A Guide to Panning Shots in Photography

by Kate Mower

Introduction

Photography is a powerful medium for freezing moments in time, but sometimes, we want to convey the sense of motion within a still image. One effective technique for achieving this is the panning shot. Panning shots allow you to capture a subject in sharp focus while blurring the background, creating a dynamic and engaging image. In this blog, we will explore how to create compelling panning shots that showcase movement within a still frame.

– Kate Mower, Photographer | Events Through a Lens

Photography is a powerful medium for freezing moments in time, but sometimes, we want to convey the sense of motion within a still image. One effective technique for achieving this is the panning shot. Panning shots allow you to capture a subject in sharp focus while blurring the background, creating a dynamic and engaging image. In this blog, we will explore how to create compelling panning shots that showcase movement within a still frame.

– Kate Mower, Photographer | Events Through a Lens

1.

What Is Panning?

Panning is a photographic technique in which you follow a moving subject with your camera while taking a shot. By matching the speed of your subject’s movement, you can keep it in sharp focus, while the background and surroundings become a streak of motion blur. The result is a visually captivating image that conveys a sense of speed and movement.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you master panning shots:

  1. Choose the Right Equipment
    Camera: While you can use any type of camera for panning shots, a DSLR or mirrorless camera with manual control over settings is ideal for precise adjustments.
    Lens: A lens with a focal length of around 50-200mm is a good choice. Telephoto lenses allow you to capture distant subjects and emphasize motion.
  2. Set your Camera to Burst Mode
    Switch to continuous shooting mode (often referred to as burst mode) so you can capture a sequence of shots with a single press of the shutter button. This increases your chances of getting a perfect panning shot.
  3. Use the Correct Focus Mode
    Set your camera to continuous or AI Servo focus mode. This mode helps your camera track moving subjects and continuously adjust focus as the subject moves through the frame.

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