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Panning Photography


Panning shot of an F1 car

So, what is panning photography?


Panning is when you move your camera with a moving subject during a longer exposure. The goal is to follow the subject smoothly enough that it stays relatively sharp, while the background blurs in streaks. Done well, it looks cinematic, fast and energetic.



What you need

  • A camera with manual or semi-manual controls (shutter priority mode is great for this)

  • A subject that’s moving steadily across your frame (side to side is easiest)

  • Optional: a tripod with a swivel head or monopod, but handheld works totally fine too once you get the hang of it



How to shoot a panning photo


  1. Set your shutter speedStart with a slower shutter speed—something like 1/30 or 1/60 of a second. The faster your subject is moving, the faster your shutter can be (e.g. 1/125 for racing cars, 1/20 for cyclists or runners). You’ll want to experiment a bit depending on the speed and lighting.

  2. Use continuous focus modeSwitch your camera to AI-Servo (Canon) or AF-C (Nikon/Sony) so it keeps focusing on your subject as it moves. Also, use burst mode so you can fire off several shots while you pan, one of them will usually hit the sweet spot.

  3. Stand steady, rotate your bodyPlant your feet, keep your elbows tucked in, and rotate at the waist as you follow your subject. Don’t move the camera up or down, just smoothly track side to side.

  4. Track, then shoot mid-motionStart following your subject before you press the shutter, keep moving as you shoot, and continue the motion afterthe exposure. It’s like a golf swing: do not stop at the ball.



Tips for sharper pans and smoother blur


  • Use a narrow aperture (like f/8 or f/11) during daylight to avoid overexposing while keeping the shutter slow. (however in my opinion panning shots work best at night in cities)

  • Lower your ISO to help balance exposure and avoid grain.

  • Practice with predictable motion, a bike on a path or a car on a road is perfect. Birds or kids? A bit trickier.

  • Try backgrounds with structure, like fences, trees, or buildings. A plain background won’t show the blur as much.



Why you should try it


It’s not just about getting a cool effect. Panning teaches you timing, motion, and how to work with your subject instead of against it. Plus, it adds a whole new feel to action shots in particular. A sharp, frozen car looks static. But a panned car? You can feel the speed through the frame.


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