Panning means following a moving subject with your camera while using a slow shutter speed, so the subject stays fairly sharp and the background streaks into motion blur. A shutter speed around 1/30 to 1/60 is a common range to try for people on bikes or cars, then adjust for speed.
How Panning Works
When you move the camera at the same speed as the subject, the subject stays in the same part of the frame during the exposure. The background moves across the sensor, which creates streaks. The slower the shutter, the more blur you get, but the harder it is to keep the subject sharp.
Step by Step: Your First Pans
- Choose a subject moving across your view at a steady pace, such as a cyclist, a runner or a passing car.
- Set the camera to shutter priority or manual mode. Try about 1/60 as a baseline for moderate speeds, and go slower, perhaps 1/15, for more blur once you are comfortable.
- Use a low ISO and a mid aperture. In bright light you may need a smaller aperture or a neutral density filter to reach a slow shutter.
- Pick continuous autofocus, and a continuous shooting mode so you can take several frames per pass.
- Plant your feet shoulder width apart and turn from the waist, keeping your elbows near your body.
- Track the subject in the viewfinder before it reaches your spot, keeping it near the same point in the frame.
- Press the shutter smoothly as the subject passes in front of you, and keep following through after the click.
- Check the result, then adjust shutter speed: faster if the subject is blurry, slower if the background lacks streaks.
Tips for Better Results
- Pick a background with horizontal lines, colors or lights, since these streak nicely.
- Keep the subject moving parallel to you, not toward you.
- Turn on image stabilization if your lens has a panning mode.
- Expect many misses; a small share of frames may be sharp.
Shutter Speed Guide
| Subject | Try roughly |
|---|---|
| Walking person | 1/15 to 1/30 |
| Cyclist | 1/30 to 1/60 |
| Car | 1/60 to 1/125 |
These numbers are general guidance, not rules.
Practice on slow, predictable subjects before moving to fast ones. A quiet street or a park path gives you many passes in a short time, and each pass teaches you how your body and camera move together.
FAQ
Why is my subject always blurry?
You may be panning too slowly or too fast, or your shutter is too long for your skill level. Raise the speed and try again.
Do I need a tripod?
No. Handheld works well, and a monopod can add smoothness for heavier lenses.
The Short Version
Use a slow shutter, follow the subject smoothly, and keep going after the click. Adjust speed until the background streaks and the subject holds up, and accept a lot of practice frames.
