In this lesson: Learn how to use a slower shutter speed and panning with an active subject to achieve a creative composition

Using a fairly slow shutter speed typically allows you to blur the movement of a subject. However, if you pan your camera, keeping pace with the action, you can keep the moving subject clear while blurring the background.

Panning is an extremely effective method for shooting moving subjects. It is also a method that employs a considerable amount of guesswork and a lot of practice. Panning involves moving the camera in an arc or along a plane parallel to the motion of a subject. The movement may be vertical, horizontal or at any angle between the two. Successful panning will render the subject sharp while blurring the background. The result is a very strong sense of motion in the image.

The image above is an ideal example of this concept. Note how the train itself, which is moving quickly, appears in perfect sharpness, yet the background and foreground are significantly blurred. This is a result of the photographer using the panning technique outlined above.

 Using a relatively low shutter speed when panning may provide these advantages:

• Clear subjects against an obscure background: This is perhaps the most obvious benefit of panning. Note how the cab in the image above is sharp and clearly identifiable, but the background is rendered completely obscure, if not abstract.

• Blending of background colors: Again, panning makes the background become less identifiable. Part of that effect is that the various colors in the background are blended together, as is the case in the image above. The yellows, whites, blacks, and other colors in this image have less individuality and work together more as a cohesive whole.

• Reinforcing dynamics: Some motion blurring in the subject (hands, legs, wheels, etc.) can occur, which helps indicate a greater level of movement. The wheels of the cab above, for example, are slightly blurred, cluing the viewer into the fact that the wheels are in motion.

Challenge Activity

In this activity, you will put the concepts of panning discussed in this lesson into practice. Using a slow shutter speed, you will learn to maintain focus on moving subjects, and maintain correct exposure with appropriate aperture and ISO settings.

Step 1: Return to the same sidewalk along the busy street you visited in the Challenge Activity for Lesson 5.

Step 2: Set your shutter speed between 1/2 and 1/8 of a second. Use shutter priority mode or select the appropriate aperture and ISO settings to maintain correct exposure.

Step 3: As vehicles pass by your location, pan with them laterally by hand holding the camera and following the path of motion, being sure to align the camera motion with the direction of travel. Start moving the camera before releasing the shutter, and continue the motion after the shutter closes. This will ensure a smooth panning result. Take several exposures and check the results. Repeat, making adjustments to your technique as necessary.

Step 4: Panning isn’t limited to subjects that are vehicles. Challenge yourself to find other subjects in motion to practice your panning technique. Children playing and people riding a bike are other subjects prime for practicing panning. Remember, panning requires a lot of practice and patience. If you don’t immediately see the results you want, don’t get discouraged!