Panning

[thenimirra]

One of my homework assignments for this week is to pan a shot. I will be taking pics out at a carnival in Aurora this weekend. Last night I took some shots with AV priority, but this weekend I'm going to manual. What shutter speed should I be looking at in relation to shooting at night in order to get a panned shot? And how do I actually take a pan shot?

Is the camera moving while I'm taking the picture at the same time? Thanks in advance!

[ColoradoSkier]

Just a hunch, but I am thinking it may be way easier to do with a tripod. You could also do it at night with a rear curtain flash to get more effect... I think.

[thenimirra]

haven't bought a tripod yet, but I'll be getting one at some point. I got some cool effects last night on some of the shots...I just want to wait until the place is packed with people and movement.

[Luv_Jeeps]

I just posed this question to a photography friend of mine in NC.
He does all sorts of sports photography for a living.
I'll post the answer as soon as I get it. :beer:

[Luv_Jeeps]

Something like this?


http://SnortingBull.smugmug.com/photos/72276315-M.jpg
If so then the key is to follow the action (in this case the rider) with the body/lens and use a low shutter speed such as 1/50 or 1/80. That freezes the subject but blurs the background...technically you need to be at a side vantage point. Not sure if that's what they are looking for...

[thenimirra]

thank you Luv Jeeps!

[Luv_Jeeps]

thank you Luv Jeeps!

You're welcome.....post up some shots when yo get 'em. :D

[thenimirra]

I need so much STUFF...

a tripod, a telephoto lense...

jeez...could I have picked a more expensive addiction?

[Luv_Jeeps]

I need so much STUFF...

a tripod, a telephoto lense...

jeez...could I have picked a more expensive addiction?

Welcome to the club. :D
If you can afford it, get either a Gitzo or a Bogen tripod.
I have a Bogen with a couple of different heads on it, and it kicks ass.

[thenimirra]

Bogens are in the $300 or so range right?

[Hollywood8714]

i bought my tripod on sale at best buy for 89 bucks i think, it might have been less, but it definitly wasnt more! wait til sunday and look through the ads, or they might be on sale now. its a pretty nice tripod too, everyone who sees it says wow this is a really nice tripod, so you dont have to spend hundreds! oh yeah and its huge, im 6'1" and it goes above my head pretty good.

[Luv_Jeeps]

Bogens are in the $300 or so range right?

Depends what type of head you put on it, but yeah.....250-300.

[Luv_Jeeps]

i bought my tripod on sale at best buy for 89 bucks i think, it might have been less, but it definitly wasnt more! wait til sunday and look through the ads, or they might be on sale now. its a pretty nice tripod too, everyone who sees it says wow this is a really nice tripod, so you dont have to spend hundreds! oh yeah and its huge, im 6'1" and it goes above my head pretty good.

Those are probably ok for some stuff, but not when you try and put something like this on it:

http://ju.nrfg.com/D200-80400VR.jpg

It's big and heavy.....you need really sturdy tripod legs for holding things really, really still. :D

[thenimirra]

I want to invest in a good tripod with a good head, but I wonder if I should get just a little bitty ole something for right now while I'm in the class...

any suggestions?


I have this incredibly cute one that came with my warantee pack....it's bendable and small. But it can barely hold my Xti! It's just for shiats and grins...

[Luv_Jeeps]

You could get a cheapo Velbon (sp?) that might hold you for a bit.....just be ready to chuck it in the trash or give it away.
Once you look at and try the good ones, you'll be hooked. :D

[Scott91MJ]

I use a...old telescope tripod, works ok.

[MReetz]

Its easier without a tripod. Just take a bunch of shots following the subject with your camera. High speed, low f=stop. good luck!!

[JeepDiva]

jeez...could I have picked a more expensive addiction?

Yep, jeeps. :D

[thenimirra]

just walk slowly away from the Jeep....and no one will get hurt....