Panning question

[Photo-John]

TP-
What camera are you using that the viewfinder blacks out? Are you talking about the LCD or the actual viewfinder? The first thing to do when panning with a compact digital camera is use the optical viewfinder instead of the LCD. The optical viewfinder forces you to physically follow your subject in a more natural and direct manner. And yes, you do need a slow shutter speed. The best shutter speed depends on the amount of background blur you want and the speed of your subject. For instance, you'll need a much slower shutter speed to get good background blur with a XC rider or runner, vs. a motorcycle or downhill racer.

One thing I've learned to do is sort of choreograph my pan. In other words, I plan it. I choose where I want to have the shutter go, I pre-focus on that spot, and I also plan where I'm going to start panning and stop panning. Just as when you're throwing a ball or swinging a bat, follow-through is very important. You want to start your pan well before you take the picture, and finish it well after. That ensures that you'll be moving smoothly with your subject when you actually press the shutter release.

Oh yeah, I like using the flash with pan photos. If you go a little dark on the overall exposure an use the flash, you'll get nice background blur and the flash will freeze your subject and make it pop out nicely. That's how I took this photo of Ray, in Downieville.

And practice makes perfect. Even if you don't think you like panning shots, shoot a lot of them at different settings. It's important to understand how all photographic techniques work if you want to be able to get the best photos in every situation.

John