AF tracking, Burst and Panning

[londonbackpackr]

I'm off to a cycling meet at the weekend and want to try and get more than just static looking pictures of the cyclists.

I know panning will give the pictures movement, but have never used this technique before and was wondering if using AF Tracking and burst mode to give me a better chance of getting the pictures

 

[artyman]

Quick answer yes and yes. First fundamental, pick a slowish shutter speed that will blur the background, and possibly wheels and legs, but fast enough to provide sharpness of the head and torso. Use AF servo so the camera is constantly focusing, and use just one focus point probably centre, you can crop later for aethestic composition.

Check your manual for camera settings as to how it deals with Servo focus on multiple shots, ie does it give priority to firing the next frame or focus. It wiould be a good idea to go and have a practice before the event, commuters will serve nicely.

 

[GilesPJ]

Planning is a hard skill to master so don't be worry if you don't get it straight away.

The trick is to have a firm stance. Follow your subject by twisting from the waist. Aim start twisted and take the shot when you straighter. I will use 1/200s or slower for motobike racing it dose not have to be a very long exposure to work but the longer the better the background blur.

A cheat is to use to a plain background like grass verge and it make it look better at the quicker end.

 

[londonbackpackr]

Thanks, the event last about 7 hours so should give me plenty of time for practice

I'm guessing to get the shutter speed right will just be trial and error to begin with.

 

[hollis_f]

I'm guessing to get the shutter speed right will just be trial and error to begin with.

Yup. Start with a relatively fast SS and then see just how low you can go.

 

[Gaz J]

As said above panning is not the easiest skill to master. To start try and position yourself so that the bikes are passing directly opposite you as you release the shutter. This is the easiest, relatively speaking. Trying to pan at a slight angle is much harder. Once you have a bit of confidence then you can try something a bit different.

Consider which way you are more comfortable panning. Most right handed people will be smoother panning from right to left. Of course you may not be able to position yourself so that you can pan this way so practise both ways.