TAoP - Panning with different shutter speeds

I found this one incredibly difficult…..

I had tried a previous attempt but in my frustration I deleted all the photos. A shame really as it was good practice. Here however is the result of a very longwinded take 2.

There were so many things to consider:

Focus

Cropping

Panning speed

Not stopping panning when pressing shutter

Subject maintaining the same speed for it to be a fair test

Legs moving faster than body

Late afternoon – losing light

All in all it was a great exercise and something I want to practice for sure. I enjoy watching motorsports and all sports really so getting the knack of this will be a great achievement. 

Throughout my frustration I found a suggestion for an alternative to get a great panning shot and although it doesn’t provide a solution for a situation like mine or one involving sports it is still a great way to practice or get an interesting shot – notes at the bottom

1/250

1/200 

1/160

1/125

1/100

1/80

1/60

1/50

1/40

1/30

1/20

1/15

The blurring background looked great but I just couldn’t capture my subject perfectly sharp for the most part. I tried the same thing on 2 different occasions with different light to see if that was my problem. Then I decided to do some research….. I found this article which I found incredible insightful… I think he actually puts it well saying he felt like Einstein. I felt like Einstein when I read it. It made so much sense to keep the object moving at the same speed as me. Although I imagine swinging a child around causes it’s own problems with shaking and movement etc if just from the pure weight so a light object might be better to begin with…

I am yet to try this but when I get a minute will do it…..

http://www.digital-photography-school.com/the-art-of-panning