How to do Panning Photography

Panning photography helps to convey the effect of motion and speed in your photo. You can use panning photography to freeze high-speed subjects against a spirited background or add action to a slow-moving issue. Panning photography helps you add drama and movement to the images that you click. Panning or the effect of motion blur makes a slow-moving object appear to travel faster.

What is panning photography?

Let us first be well versed with what panning means in terms of photography. Panning is a phenomenon that is used widely by photographers all over the world to add a creative sense of movement to their photos, preferably action photos.

Using fast shutter speed to capture the image of a fast-moving subject will strip the photo of its depth because the issue will look very still. However, if you use a slower shutter speed and pan the camera instead to capture the fast-moving subject, you will get a livelier picture. This will add drama to your photo. 

Panning also helps to sharpen the photo letting the viewer focus his attention only on the subject. It helps to veil the unappealing backgrounds. The only way to master the art of panning photography is to practise it daily. Be on the lookout for opportunities that let you hone your panning photography skills.

How to master Panning Photography?

While doing panning photography, remember to follow these necessary steps-

  • Select your shutter speed after switching to Shutter Priority or Manual mode: The ideal shutter speed depends on how fast your subject is moving, the distance between you and your subject, the effect of blur you want to create in the background and the lens you are using. You can start with a shutter speed of around 1/60 per second. If you’re shooting in manual mode, remember to set your aperture to give you good exposure.
  • Plan and focus your panning photos adeptly: Although the background of your image will be blurred yet, you have to pay attention to the overall Colour detailing. There is no need to pay attention to the ground detailing, but you must be well aware of how your experience will look as a whole in terms of Colour as it will be in the frame of your subject. Well contrasted background or a background that has horizontal lines or a fence will add An enhanced sense of speed and drama.
  • Always try to improve your panning technique: Face your chosen background and use continuous shooting. Use smooth motion while tracking your subject.

Conclusion:

It takes a lot of practice to develop good skills at panning photography; hence do not be disheartened if your initial photos do not satisfy you. Do take loads of pictures, especially of sports events or of animals running about freely in nature, as this will help you brush up your panning photography skills.

Besides these, remember the tips that we shared with you in this article. We hope it will help you step into the world of panning photography.

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