The Art of Panning in Wildlife Photography

Capturing Motion and Magic in the Wild

The Art of Panning in Wildlife Photography when mastered can add a new level to your wildlife photography portfolio. Wildlife photography is a genre driven by patience, observation, and technical prowess. Among the array of techniques available to photographers, panning stands out as a captivating method for rendering the movement of animals with a sense of dynamic energy and artistry. Panning, when executed with skill and intention, transforms fleeting moments into expressive images that evoke the thrill of the chase, the grace of the run, or the sheer power of flight.

Understanding Panning: The Basics

Panning is a photographic technique where the camera is moved horizontally (and sometimes vertically) in sync with a moving subject. The goal is to keep the subject sharp while blurring the background, thus conveying a strong sense of motion. This contrast between a crisply rendered animal and a streaked backdrop brings a cinematic quality to wildlife images, drawing viewers into the action and immersing them in the subject’s world.

The technique is common in sports photography, but panning in wildlife photography presents unique challenges. Animals do not move predictably or on command and often change pace or direction with little warning. As such, mastering panning in the wild requires a deep understanding of animal behaviour, as well as sound technical skills.

The Science Behind the Technique

At its core, panning relies on a slow shutter speed. While a fast shutter freezes all motion, a slower one—typically between 1/15 and 1/125 of a second—enables the movement of the background to be recorded as streaks. The photographer tracks the animal’s movement through the viewfinder, matching its speed as closely as possible, and releases the shutter while moving the camera in tandem with the subject.

The result, when done correctly, is an image where the subject is relatively sharp but the environment blurs into bands of colour and light. The technique not only highlights the energy of the animal but also serves as a creative storytelling device, suggesting speed, urgency, or even the tranquillity of a gentle stroll.

 

Why Use Panning in Wildlife Photography?

• Conveys Motion: A panned image communicates movement in a way that a frozen frame cannot. It allows the viewer to experience the scene as it unfolded, feeling the rush of a cheetah’s sprint or the elegance of a bird in flight.
• Adds Artistic Flair: The blur created by panning can be painterly, adding depth, mood, or abstraction to an image. It separates the subject from the background in a dramatic, visually appealing way.
• Reduces Background Clutter: In the wild, backgrounds can be messy or distracting. Panning transforms busy environments into simple washes of colour, ensuring that the animal remains the focal point.
• Celebrates Behaviour: Panning is especially effective at capturing animals engaged in fast action—predators pursuing prey, herds running, or birds swooping low over water. These moments are rich in narrative and emotion, and panning brings them to life.

Essential Equipment for Panning

While panning can be attempted with almost any camera, certain equipment makes the process easier and more effective:

• Camera Body: Cameras with fast and accurate autofocus, particularly those with subject tracking modes, help maintain focus on unpredictable wildlife.
• Lens: A telephoto lens (such as 70-200mm, 100-400mm, or longer) is typically preferred. Image stabilisation (IS/VR/OS) is a plus, but some systems feature a “panning mode” that stabilises only in the vertical axis.
• Tripod/Monopod: While many photographers pan hand-held, a sturdy monopod can provide additional stability and reduce fatigue, especially with heavy lenses.

Mastering the Technique: Step-by-Step

1. Preparation: Anticipate the action. Study the area and the animals you wish to photograph. Note their trails, habits, and typical speed.
2. Camera Settings:
3. Set your camera to Shutter Priority (Tv/S) or Manual mode with Auto ISO on.
4. Choose a shutter speed between 1/15 and 1/125 second. Start with 1/30 as a baseline and adjust as needed.
5. Use continuous autofocus mode (AI Servo/AF-C).
6. Set the drive mode to continuous shooting to capture a burst of images.
7. Choose an appropriate Aperture setting if in manual to ensure correct exposure under available light.
8. Panning Movement: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart for balance. As your subject approaches, begin tracking it through the viewfinder. Rotate your upper body smoothly from the hips, keeping the animal at the same spot in the frame. Avoid jerky motions.
9. Timing the Shot: Press the shutter gently as you continue to pan. Keep tracking the subject even after the exposure—this follow-through helps maintain motion consistency and sharpness.
10. Review and Adjust: Examine your images for sharpness and background blur. Adjust your technique, shutter speed, or panning speed as necessary. Expect a low success rate initially; perseverance is key.

Field Tips and Best Practices

• Practice with Predictable Subjects: Before attempting panning with headline species, practise with common species like, seagulls, swans, ducks and geese. This helps develop muscle memory and familiarity with the technique.
• Use Peripheral Vision: Anticipate the animal’s path. By keeping both eyes open, you can better judge speed and direction.
• Focus on the Eyes: In wildlife portraiture, sharp eyes anchor the image. Try to keep the animal’s face and especially its eyes in focus, as this will draw viewers in.
• Embrace Imperfection: Not every panned image will be perfect. Sometimes a bit of unintended blur adds character and mood.
• Adapt to Light: Panning works best in soft or diffused light, such as early morning or late afternoon. Harsh midday sun can create unwanted shadows and highlights.
• Experiment with Composition: Change your angle, position, and framing. Try wider scenes to include environmental context or go close to isolate your subject amid a swirl of colour or pattern.
• Forget your panning: I used to find that I was subconsciously moving the camera differently than if I was tracking a moving subject at a higher shutter speed. If you can forget that you are using a slower shutter speed and just concentrate on tracking the subject and keeping it within the frame then you will be surprised at the results.
• Lose the Fear: A lot of people don’t pan because they are worried of missing a shot. But, if you find yourself photographing in low light and the ISO is sky high – what have you got to lose. Once you have sharp images freezing the motion of a subject drop the shutter speed and try one panned sequence. If you get it then it will add so much impact to your portfolio.

 

Common Challenges and Solutions

• Out-of-Focus Subjects: This is often the result of panning at the wrong speed, misaligned focus points, or incorrect autofocus settings. Double-check your camera’s focus mode and make sure you’re matching the animal’s pace.
• Too Much or Too Little Blur: If the background is not blurred enough, try a slower shutter speed. If your subject is too blurry, speed up the shutter or improve your tracking technique.
• Unpredictable Movements: Wildlife does not move like a race car. Some unpredictability is inevitable. Stay alert and be ready to react quickly.
• Fatigue: Long panning sessions can be taxing, especially with heavy gear. Use a monopod or take regular breaks.

Ethical Considerations

Panning in wildlife photography should always prioritise the well-being of the animals. Avoid disturbing or stressing wildlife for the sake of a photograph. Keep a respectful distance, never chase or crowd animals, and adhere to local regulations and ethical guidelines. Remember, the best wildlife images are those taken with respect and admiration for the natural world.

 

Conclusion: The Reward of Persistence

Mastering panning in wildlife photography requires patience, practice, and an appreciation for both the technical and artistic sides of image-making. While the learning curve can be steep, the rewards are immense: images that pulse with life, convey the story of the wild, and capture moments too fast for the naked eye. As with all aspects of wildlife photography, the journey is as enriching as the result—one filled with observation, anticipation, and the joy of creating art in partnership with nature.

Whether you are a seasoned professional or an enthusiastic beginner, embracing the art of panning opens up a world of creative possibilities. So next time you find yourself in the presence of running gazelles, soaring eagles, or darting foxes, remember to pan—and let your images tell the story of motion in the wild.

If you would like to join me on a workshop then check out my creative wildlife photography workshop

You can also read my blog posts on Overcoming Creative Blocks  or read the blog post on using other camera settings to add creativity to your portfolio

If you have any questions one what you have read or need any further advice then get in touch