We use photography to tell a story. Conveying a three-dimensional story in a two-dimensional medium can be challenging at times. There are many little techniques we use to overcome these challenges. Blurring the background is one of those techniques.
Blurring the background separates your main subject from the background and suggests motion or speed. It can, however, be difficult to successfully blur out the background while holding your subject perfectly still in the camera’s frame. Here is the technique taught to me as a US Navy Photographer, and one I still use today.
1. Set the shutter speed of your camera low. You could have the best pan in the world, but if your shutter speed is too high, your going to freeze everything. You’ll have to experiment to find what works for your subject. The aircraft above was photographed at 1/250th of a second. 1/30th of a second may be a good place to start for someone running or on a bicycle.
2. Position yourself at the end of the pan. For example, if your subject will be moving left to right, position yourself facing to the right.
3. Wind yourself around to the start of the pan. Do not move your feet. You will feel a little uncomfortable since your body is twisted.
4. Have your camera close to your eye and ready to shoot. Your elbows should be tucked in tight against your body giving your camera steady support.
5. As your subject comes into frame, bring the camera to your eye and begin to unwind your body as you hold the subject in frame. Pan slowly and smoothly.
6. At a predetermined point, trigger the shutter and make the photo. For those with multi-exposure capabilities, fire off a series of frames.
7. Do not stop your pan after making your photo(s). Just like in sports, follow through. Continue your pan until you body is square with your feet and you are fully unwound.
By unwinding your body as you pan your camera, you are moving from an uncomfortable to a comfortable position. Using this technique, there is a much better chance that you will remain steady and be successful at keeping your main subject sharp.
Now, go out and give it a try. Don’t get discouraged if your first attempts are totally out of focus. A good smooth pan and the ability to hold your subject in frame takes a little practice.