Project 52 - Week 7: Slow Shutter Speed and Panning

Having been AWOL last week, I am happy to be back.  Last week's lesson was all about The Triangle (shutter speed, ISO, and aperture).  I hope some of you got to read through the blogs of the other participants that I included on my Facebook page.  There were some fantastic examples and great images all around.

This week, I am going to start with Slow Shutter Speed and then move to Panning.  While I have done some of the latter, I am not a real user of the former, so this gave me a chance to play.  Since it has been cold again, I decided to photograph using slow shutter speeds during a nightly round of the game we call "Feed The Dogs."  There is always plenty of activity by some members of our group, and that activity is pretty predictable, so I knew I had a good chance of capturing workable images. 

Our text asked us to keep shutter speeds at or below 1/60.  I started out with a speed of 1/60 to capture Burton becoming aware that dinner time was imminent, and his tail began wagging. You can see that tail blur in the photo below.

I did not use a tripod or any other light besides what was available in our kitchen.  The image is a bit soft, but as you turn down the shutter speed, this is often the result, especially inside with ambient light.  I turned up the ISO a bit to 1000, so there is noise in the background of this photo.  I did not edit it out, but left it as an example.  I probably could have taken the ISO down a bit more, as the top of Burton's head is a bit blown out, but I like his expression and the general feel of the photo.

Next I took the shutter speed down to 1/30.  I sat with my camera on my knees and/or moved to lay on the floor braced on my elbows, with camera braced against my face.  I am not great with hand-held below 1/100, but I was too lazy to run for my tripod and set that up.

We have our movers and shakers, and Billie (that front blur) is one of our movers.  Luke (who looks like he is going to start a load of dishes in the dishwasher) is new to our group, and he doesn't quite have the "sit-out-of-the-way-until-dinner-is-ready" down yet, but he will get there soon.

Again, the photo has noise, but you really get the feel for what is happening based on Billie's movement, thanks to the slower shutter speed.  And while we typically do not let her do what is depicted below, I left the shutter at 1/30 and encouraged my husband to let her show her exuberance at getting fed, so that I could capture this photo.

I opened up my aperture more on this shot, and you can see how bright it is based on the slower shutter speed.  While I do not consider these images technically correct, I do think they are fun.  It would take quite a bit more practice on my part to master the slower shutter image potential.  It is something I have on my TO-DO list, but have not really had time for.  Now that I've done this week's lesson, you can bet I will be practicing more with slower speeds and you will probably see the results in the future.

Now, on to PANNING.  With panning you have to take into account the speed in which your subject is moving and set your shutter speed accordingly.  The speed is usually going to be below 1/100.  You plant your body and bracing your camera you follow your subject as they move to keep them somewhat focused, while at the same time blurring the background.

After spending countless amounts of time in my back yard in the freezing cold, I can tell you that doing a panning shot with a horse and rider in a show ring is FAR FAR EASIER than trying to predict the trajectory of a dog with a ball or toy.  Nevertheless, little Luke was game to try to run past me and be cooperative.  Here is my panning shot of Luke.

Had my speed matched his a little better, I might have gotten those back legs a bit more in focus, but I also would have gotten whiplash.  I love his little shadow.  You definitely get a sense of movement in this photo.  Luke is one very fast dog.

Finally let me share an image I did over the summer of 2015. It is a horse show image and shows that if you can keep your speed of movement at the same level as your subject while panning, you get a much crisper image.

I see a lot of potential for slow shutter speeds and panning.  Dog agility courses come to mind.  I will be practicing this more and looking to attend some outdoor agility events where I can continue to try out both of these techniques.  You only get better with practice!

For more on movement, slow shutter speeds and panning, start here with Little White Dog Pet Photography - Sioux Falls, SD, Kelly Middlebrooks.  Enjoy!