Panning is an awesome technique used to get even more awesome results (if done right...or get lucky) but is also one that can take a lot of practice.  It's relatively simple but definitely practice makes perfect for this type of imaging technique.  

Basically panning is a technique you use to pan your camera device along in time with a moving subject and end up getting a focused subject with a blurred background.


 It gives your still image a motion appeal.  The feeling of movement and speed is given relative to the type of subject you choose whether it is a skateboarder down the street, a running child, a cyclist, or what I have used for my example - a seagull catching some bread crumbs.  The shot was taken on Seattle's waterfront and truth be told it was one of the hardest shots to capture on my iPhone.  I probably had a couple dozen shots of bread crumbs in the air or seagull feet. 

Panning works best with moving subjects that are usually in a straight line so my seagull shot probably wasn't the best example BUT it's one of my proudest mobile photography shots because of how detailed and clear the bird is.  By the way, the shot was taken with an iPhone 4.  I'm sure now if I had to, I would probably be able to capture a similar image easier with the quicker and faster shutter of the new mobile phones out on the market.

Here are the steps I took to take the shot.

1. Prepare for the shot.  Obviously the seagull shot is harder to explain so I will go ahead and explain using the idea of having a cyclist be my subject.  Keep notice of the distance of your subject.  Have your camera ready.  As soon as the cyclist is large enough in your mobile phone's frame, touch and hold the shutter release.

1. As you are holding down the shutter, "pan" - follow with your mobile phone your subject aka the cyclist at the same speed they are moving.  Always keep the cyclist in your frame.
2. As you pan with your subject, release the shutter to take the photo.  Make sure you keep panning.  This will help keep your subject in focus as the background becomes blurry and leaves with the sense of motion.

 Here are some tips to keep in mind when panning with your mobile phone.

• The shutter speed on your mobile phone works faster in bright light.  Panning works best in darker lit situations.  So if you have a choice to pan shoot in bright light or from the shadows, choose the shadows.
• If your subject is not moving too fast, move closer to your subject.  The speed of the subject is exaggerated the closer they are to your mobile phone.
• Timing is important.  Time your photo so your subject is parallel to you or moving away.  Avoid taking the photo right as you begin to pan.
• If you have time, try to pre-focus your mobile phone by tapping on the subject and focus locking on your screen.  This will help auto-focus track your subject.
• Release your shutter gently to reduce camera shake.

If you are going to try panning for the first time you should approach it with a fun and experimental attitude.  That is really the best thing to do in mobile photography anyways.  It's important that you try it out and see what results come out of your practice.  

Have fun and if you are on Instagram, tag me on your photo so I can see some of your results!