Action Photography Techniques - Panning

Panning is an effective technique for capturing action, but difficult to master. It requires practice and it would be good to get that practice before the big race or sporting event. Some photographers prefer using a film camera for panning shots but if you’ve gone digital, don’t worry. In fact, practicing with a digital camera is a lot cheaper than using a lot of film and chemicals to see how you’re doing.

Ideally, in a good panned shot the subject will be in focus while the background is blurred. A desirable effect is for the back of the subject to blur and even leave a long streaking trail that emphasizes the action and speed. No other technique creates the sensation of movement like this. This effect is what takes practice to achieve.

Set your digital camera in automatic mode. Press half way down on the shutter button as you normally would and physically move your camera from side to side following the subject. Finish pressing the button all the way while still moving the camera.

If you aren’t getting that “end trail” in back of your subject, try adjusting the shutter speed a bit slower. Play with it and practice. The result you want will come. Check your camera manual. It might give information about settings on your particular camera as to how to achieve this effect.

Don’t allow yourself to get frustrated if it doesn’t come easily. You might need more practice and time to perfect the technique. That’s okay, especially if you are shooting digitally. Just delete the frames you don’t want. Experiment. Play with it. Practice with cars driving down the street or kids at a soccer game. It will be an accomplishment when you snap your first perfect panned action shot. Then it’s only a matter of time before you are getting them consistently.

If you’ve been using a point and shoot digital camera and are ready to move up to a digital SLR, consider the Canon Rebel XS. Shoot professional photographs at 3 frames per second. Check out the video demonstration and read the reviews at Canon Rebel Reviews.