panning a "fluffy" object?

[Wesavi]

Hi
I am new to photography and panning may not be the best thing to attempt at this stage. I appreciate that, but nothing quite like a challenge. I also know that panning takes a LOT of practise. I have started practising
My main concern or question really is, can you get a "fluffy object", such as a long coated dog, into focus while panning? I saw the picture with the rodeo horse on the thread before me, and that mane and tail were pretty sharp, so perhaps I am only trying to find excuses?

I also read up a bit more while trying to find more threads on panning here on the forum. I used the IS on, and it seems I should have had it off - 'nother lesson learned. I also didn't use a tripod/monopod - all these are improvements I still have to implement. The basic question still remains will the "flying hair" always be blurred in a fluffy object, by definition of the technique?



Canon 550D
shutter priority set to 1/20
aperture 10
ISO 100
auto focus
no flash
IS: on (must be off)
Don't know if there is anything else you need to know about the camera setting?

Thank you for your input

[sk66]

Chances are if you use a fast enough shutter speed to freeze the flying fur you will also pretty much eliminate any background blur from panning.

So, yes. If you want panning blur you will probably also have motion blur of the fur.

[Hill Country Hack]

You may continue to have motion blur of the fur, but work on the technique. While panning, activate the shutter release and continue to follow the subject even after the shutter has closed.

It does take practice. Check your manual and see how to do a "back button" focus if not already doing that. Be sure you have AI Serv selected. Keep at it, it will improve.

[ceremus]

Actually, the first time I tried the panning technique it was at a dog park, and I honestly don't think I could have picked a more difficult subject for doing those kinds of shots. The problem with running subjects like joggers, and especially dogs, is that they're a total flurry. Their limbs are going everywhere, their heads are bobbing, backs arching, basically every little bit of them is in motion whenever they go tearing across a field. Some subjects will be busier than others, but often it comes down to adjusting your shutter speed so you can strike the right balance between showing off their motion without letting their internal motions get lost in a blur.

The more you practice the better you'll get at it, but if you're just starting out it may be easier to start with vehicles like cars or bikes, something a little more stable and predictable until you can get a feel for the basic technique.

[Wesavi]

Originally Posted by sk66

Chances are if you use a fast enough shutter speed to freeze the flying fur you will also pretty much eliminate any background blur from panning.

So, yes. If you want panning blur you will probably also have motion blur of the fur.

Thank you. That is what I was thinking.

[Wesavi]

Originally Posted by Hill Country Hack

You may continue to have motion blur of the fur, but work on the technique. While panning, activate the shutter release and continue to follow the subject even after the shutter has closed.

It does take practice. Check your manual and see how to do a "back button" focus if not already doing that. Be sure you have AI Serv selected. Keep at it, it will improve.

I forgot to mention (not sure if that is important), that I shoot on continuous shooting (is that the right term?) so I *do* follow the subject, because I take several shots. That is why in this picture the dog is also facing away - he did run straight past me a few fractions of seconds earlier

I will definitely read up on the manual - thank you very much for that advise.

[Wesavi]

Originally Posted by ceremus

Actually, the first time I tried the panning technique it was at a dog park, and I honestly don't think I could have picked a more difficult subject for doing those kinds of shots.

The more you practice the better you'll get at it, but if you're just starting out it may be easier to start with vehicles like cars or bikes, something a little more stable and predictable until you can get a feel for the basic technique.

thank you for your comments - it does make me feel much better and if I find the time I will sit on the side of the road tomorrow and take pictures of boring cars driving past

[andrewdt]

Originally Posted by sk66

blur of the fur

Sounds artistic. Agreed though