The photo is a frame, a moment, with it can be changed that it can not be added to use for movement. Well, I’ll surprise you 🙂 A photo can be “at speed”, it can even be very high. An interesting technique of photography – “panning”, there is no possibility to add to the object that takes pictures, movement. Most often, this technique is used to photograph cars, logically, isn’t it?
However, looking, you can easily find the application in many other situations, where you will be able to use artificial panning and create unique and unrepeatable shots. Did I arouse your curiosity? Guess with pleasure you will read the steps of mastering the technique.
📸Equipment
A camera that has Continues shooting so that you can capture as many photos as possible in the short time you have while the subject passes you.
I’m not convinced that you will be able to take the required shots with a phone, BUT I haven’t tried. That is why I do not deny that it will happen. In fact, this sounds like a new challenge.
Someone would advise you to use a tripod, especially if you are shooting in low light in the evening. I personally shoot by hand and for now this has not caused me any discomfort. Try both options, you will find out which is more convenient for you.
☝️Note: The tripod only allows you to move horizontally, and your hand has a chance to “capture” the oscillations of your hand as you shoot at a slower shutter speed.
📸Camera settings
There are many tips on how to shoot so-called “panning” more easily, I will share with you exactly what worked for successful shots.
For evening photos:
- Aperture – from f2.8 to f4
- ISO 400
- Shutter speed – I mainly used 1/20
- Continuous shooting mode – at the highest level, so you can maximize the chances of the perfect shot.
For photos during the day:
- Aperture – f8-9
- ISO 100
- Shutter speed – about 1/30
- If possible, you can use an ND filter to make it easier to dim the frame and be able to reduce the shutter speed to such a low speed without overexposing the photo. In this case, I used a HOYA CPL filter.
- Continuous shooting mode again
☝️Note: Shoot in RAW, as I will show you how to process your photos and from the one on the left, get the one on the right.
Once you’ve set up your camera, all you have to do is take pictures.
📢Shooting tips
- Try to follow the speed of the car and move the camera parallel to it while shooting (with or without a tripod, this is the way to capture what you need);
- Stand and point the camera perpendicular to the path of the subject, so its trajectory is predictable and you can easily follow its path in a few seconds while shooting;
- Don’t give up, nice photos of this kind take time and a lot of shots and practice;
- What lens to use? – I personally have used any of the above settings. My conclusion is that it depends on how you will frame, not what lens you are shooting with. If you have a 50mm hard lens – just rely on your feet for re-framing. If you have a whale lens – use zoom (however, I do not recommend shooting at the ends of the lens).
🪄Post-processing
I use two frame processing programs – Lightroom and Photoshop. Are you already scared that you don’t know them? Relax, everything for processing is extremely easy and fast. I have tried to present it to you briefly in the following video. Enjoy watching! I wish I had inspired someone with these photos. If you have decided to try “panning”, I will be happy to share your footage with me by tagging me on Instagram, Facebook or sending me a personal message.
Expect more interesting photo projects, follow them here and in my social profiles, and if you have suggestions for some interesting projects, do not hesitate to contact me!