Page 92 - World of Animals - Issue #29

Wildlife photography

Tip 3 lovely blurred background
Panning will create a
Master panning while leaving the animal
nice and sharp
Introduce some creative blur into your
images to make the animals really stand out
To add a sense of movement to your It takes some practice to master it, but it can
shots, why not try and include some blur leave you with some really stunning effects,
intentionally? When controlled, this blur can and wildlife images that feel much more
help to add a sense of motion and action to in- dynamic. While you can do this handheld,

flight images. To keep your subject sharp but using a monopod will stop the up and down
your background full of directional blur, you’ll movements you can make when you twist
need to master panning. This technique simply around, keeping the blur only moving across
involves using a slower shutter speed and the frame. Follow our step-by-step guide
moving with the animal as you take the shot. below to start taking great panning shots.

Step-by-step to perfect panning

Get set up Position yourself Take the shot
Make sure your lens is set to autofocus and Place yourself in front of your subject with your When the animal comes into view, press the
your camera to continuous AF, and then select feet planted fi rmly, about shoulder width apart. shutter halfway to focus then twist your torso
a slightly slower shutter speed than you would Lock in your elbows and support your long to follow it as it crosses the frame. As you ‘pan’
normally. For fast moving birds you’ll need lens by cupping underneath it. This will help to around, fully press the shutter and continue to
about 1/400sec, for instance. keep you stable if you’re not using a monopod. turn until the animal leaves the frame.

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