Eeek! Panning attempt...much advice needed!

[poppetme]

Ok...so I posted a couple of shots in critique when I first got my camera (a shot in people and a shot in animals...) and everyone was really helpful and gave great advice.

I've started a photography course now and thought it might help me even further if I post some pics when I complete different modules on the course to gain even further input, advice and hopeful develop even more.

I would love some critique concerning the panning and shutter speed used. (That was the focus on the course this week)

I can see that the guy on the bike is not totally in focus...is that ok or should he be sharp?

Composition wise I would like some advice.

If anyone else has any advice on panning...



Camera Canon EOS 550D
Exposure 0.125 sec (1/8)
Aperture f/6.3
Focal Length 18 mm
ISO Speed 100
Exposure Bias 0 EV
Flash Off, Did not fire

Thanks!

Poppet x x

[RichardTaylor]

I feel you should have at least some of the subject sharp.

The shutter speed is fine for this subject, however getting a good capture will take a fair bit of practice.

Re the composition.
The large white area is a major distraction. Other wise it is ok.
I would try to shoot from a viewpoint that offered a relatively "clean" background.


You may find this panning tutorial (on this site) helpful, even though it was for motor sport the same principals apply.

Panning: Motor sport

[gturner]

I would suggest that the shutter is a little slow for a bike. at 1/20 or 1/30th, you have more chance of getting both the subject sharper and a little more detail in the scene

[justin_ing]

Panning is tough

Try using "all focus points" and shoot in continuous mode. Get a bunch of grabs cause it all happens in an instance.

[cesarderio]

Im doing the same in my classes right now. I agree with 1/20th or 1/30th. I was using 1/30th and I got the subjects sharp. Just remember to follow the subject and when it feels right release the shutter. Dont just point and shoot. No pun intended

[IABoomer]

Originally Posted by gturner

I would suggest that the shutter is a little slow for a bike. at 1/20 or 1/30th, you have more chance of getting both the subject sharper and a little more detail in the scene

This. 1/8 is really slow so keeping the subject in the same spot in the frame is going to be really difficult. Even something as fast as 1/90 can get some background blur (although it probably helped that this was a competitive cyclist).


Ryan Sissons at the 2010 Hy-Vee Triathlon by IABoomerFlickr, on Flickr

One thing I've read that seems to work well is, pan through the shot. Don't try to stop when the shutter clicks closed. Swing the camera through and follow the motion throughout. You're on the right path.

On a side note, you might be able to punch up the levels in the B&W conversion a bit. If you search the forum, I know there's a few tutorials about adjusting levels/curves.

[pesawa]

Good rule of thumb that works for me is to use a shutter speed that is inverse to the object's speed. That is a competitive cyclist on a flat course will travel at 35-40 km per hour, therefore shutter speed of 1/40 should work well. Assumes sufficient amount of light.

The rest is trial and error.

/p