BetterPhoto Q&A
Category: Photographic Field Techniques

How Do I Shoot Very Fast Moving Objects?

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June 23, 2003

If this is something the size of a motorcycle or automobile, you can pan with its motion. This requires:
(a) deciding when (where in its motion) you will fire the shutter,
(b) tracking it before it reaches that point,
(c) keeping it in about the same location within the viewfinder, and
(d) firing the shutter just a hair before it gets to where you want the photograph.
If you use the panning method, ensure you "follow through" and keep panning until you can see through the viewfinder after the exposure is made. Best results are usually had with the panning technique when object motion is not directly approaching or directly receding . . . getting bigger or smaller as viewed through the camera . . . although this can be used for creative technique by adding a slight blur as the object changes size during the exposure (picking a good shutter speed for this is critical and not that easy).

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June 23, 2003