If you're interested in photographing fast-moving subjects, panning is a technique worth mastering. It can be a little tricky to get the hang of, but with patience and practice you'll get there. Here are our best tips for great panning photos.
What is panning photography?
Panning is a technique where you intentionally move the camera as you press the shutter button, creating motion blur in the background while keeping your subject relatively sharp. It's commonly used by sports, action, and wildlife photographers to capture movement and convey a sense of speed. The most common approach is side-to-side panning, but you can also pan vertically or diagonally depending on your subject.
These blurred action shots have an undeniable artistic quality — here's how to master the technique.
Horizontal, vertical, and diagonal panning explained
While side-to-side horizontal panning is the most common technique — ideal for cars, cyclists, and running athletes — it's not the only option. Vertical panning works well for subjects moving up or down, such as a skateboarder launching off a ramp or a surfer dropping down a wave face. Diagonal panning (sometimes called 45-degree panning) suits subjects moving at an angle to the camera, like a motocross rider cresting a jump. The same core principles apply: match your camera movement to the subject's direction and speed, use a slow shutter speed, and follow through after the shot. Experimenting with non-horizontal pans is a great way to add variety to your action photography portfolio once you're comfortable with the basics.
1: Choose your subject carefully
Not every moving object makes an ideal panning subject. You need something moving along a consistently straight, predictable path so you can anticipate its speed and direction. Avoid subjects that move erratically or intermittently — these will only result in an entirely blurry image with no clear focal point.
Action photography subject ideas for panning
If you're looking for panning practice opportunities around Australia, there's no shortage of subjects. Beginner-friendly options include passing traffic on a suburban road, joggers or cyclists on a shared path, or dogs running at a beach or park — all move predictably and at manageable speeds. As your technique improves, try intermediate subjects like surfers, BMX riders at a skate park, or horses at a country show. For advanced panning, motorsport events — from karting to V8 Supercars — offer fast, consistent subjects on predictable circuits. Local community events like fun runs, cycling criteriums, and air shows also provide excellent variety. Starting with accessible, slower subjects builds your timing instincts before you invest in event entry or travel for premium shooting locations.
2: Check your shutter speed
Panning requires a slower shutter speed than you might be used to. As a starting point, try 1/30s and adjust from there. Most subjects work well in the 1/8s to 1/60s range, while faster subjects like racing cars or aircraft may need 1/125s or faster. Even though you're intentionally using a slow speed, be mindful of camera shake — too much overall blur will undermine the effect.
Camera settings for panning: beyond shutter speed
Shutter speed is only part of the equation. For panning, set your camera to Shutter Priority (Tv or S) mode — this lets you lock in your chosen shutter speed while the camera handles exposure automatically. If you're shooting manually, pair your slow shutter speed with a narrower aperture (f/8–f/16) to avoid overexposure in bright Australian outdoor conditions. Keep your ISO as low as possible (ISO 100–400) to minimise noise and give you finer control over exposure. On bright days, a neutral density (ND) filter is invaluable — it reduces incoming light so you can maintain a slow shutter speed without blowing out the image. These settings work together; dialling in all three is what separates consistently sharp panning shots from guesswork.
3: Position yourself away from obstructions
Before you start shooting, think carefully about your position and background. Set up in line with your subject's path and look for a clean, plain, or single-coloured background. A busy background with distracting colours and streaks will draw attention away from your subject. Also be mindful of objects outside your starting frame that could enter the shot as you pan.
4: Track the subject
Tracking your subject smoothly is essential to a successful panning shot. A monopod or tripod can help you stay steady while keeping your subject in frame. If your camera has AF tracking, use it — it makes a significant difference. If not, pre-focus on the spot where you plan to fire the shutter, well before your subject arrives.
5: Release the shutter smoothly
A gentle, smooth shutter release goes a long way in reducing camera shake. Your panning movement should be fluid and continuous — keep following your subject even after you've taken the shot. If your camera has noticeable shutter lag, account for it by firing slightly earlier than you think you need to.
Bonus tips
By its nature, panning photography rarely produces a subject that is completely sharp. What you're aiming for is a subject that is sharp relative to the background, with a degree of blur adding drama and a sense of motion. Don't delete images on the spot due to imperfect focus — you may find those shots are your favourites when reviewing later.
Start with slower-moving subjects like passing traffic or people jogging, and build up to faster subjects like cyclists or racing cars as your technique improves. Consistent practice is the key — even after you're happy with your results, keep shooting regularly to maintain the skill.
Start capturing panning photos now
The trick to mastering panning photography is practice. Browse our range of cameras, lenses, and monopods and tripods suited to action and sports photography, or visit a Ted's store for personalised advice from our team.
Frequently Asked Questions
What shutter speed is best for panning photography?
A good starting point is 1/30s — slow enough to blur the background while giving you a chance to keep the subject sharp. Most subjects work well between 1/8s and 1/60s. Faster subjects like racing cars or motorcycles may require 1/125s or faster. Experiment and review your results to find the sweet spot for each subject.
Do I need a special camera for panning photography?
No — any camera with manual or semi-manual controls (such as shutter priority mode) will work. That said, a camera with reliable continuous autofocus (AF-C) and a fast burst rate will make tracking moving subjects significantly easier. Mirrorless cameras with subject-tracking AF are particularly well-suited to panning.
What is the difference between panning and motion blur photography?
Both techniques use slow shutter speeds, but the key difference is camera movement. In standard motion blur photography, the camera stays still and the subject blurs. In panning, the camera moves with the subject — so the subject stays relatively sharp while the background blurs. Panning is more technically demanding but produces a more dynamic result.
Should I use a tripod or monopod for panning?
A monopod is generally preferred for panning as it provides vertical stability while still allowing smooth horizontal movement. A tripod with a fluid pan head can also work well. Shooting handheld is possible but makes it harder to maintain a consistent, smooth pan — especially at slower shutter speeds.
How do I keep my subject sharp while panning?
The key is a smooth, consistent panning motion that matches the speed of your subject. Use continuous autofocus (AF-C) if available, and pre-focus on the point where you plan to shoot if not. Start your pan before the subject enters frame, fire the shutter at the right moment, and continue following through after the shot. Practice and repetition are the most reliable ways to improve your keeper rate.