Oxford in Motion
Master the Art of Panning
A photographic technique that can transform an ordinary street photograph into something full of energy and movement is panning.
The Magic of Panning
The technique involves following a moving subject with your camera, moving at the same speed and in the same direction as it travels. By using a relatively slow shutter speed, you can blur the background while keeping the subject sharp. This contrast of a sharp subject and a blurred background gives the sense of speed.
A cyclist appears to race through the frame, with the historic buildings behind them transformed into sweeping lines. A brightly coloured bus becomes a bold splash of colour against the city's traditional architecture. A passing motorbike conveys speed and excitement in a way that a conventional photograph simply cannot.
Of course, panning takes practice. Getting the right shutter speed, tracking the subject smoothly and choosing the perfect moment to press the shutter all make a difference. But that's what makes the process so rewarding.
Oxford Backdrop
Oxford provides a beautiful backdrop for you to practise panning, experimenting with shutter speeds, camera settings and smooth camera movement.
We'll explore how to anticipate a subject, track it through the frame and press the shutter at just the right moment. You'll also discover how changing your shutter speed can dramatically affect the look and feel of your photographs.
Panning is a technique that improves with practice, and every passing cyclist or vehicle provides another opportunity to refine your skills.
Oxford's historic buildings, distinctive streets and beautiful stone architecture add character to your images, helping you create photographs that are much more than simple records of passing traffic.
Join Me on a Photo Walk
Whether you're an enthusiastic beginner or an experienced photographer looking to add another creative technique to your repertoire, my Oxford photography trips offer a fantastic opportunity to learn, practise and have fun. Bring your camera, enjoy the challenge and discover a fresh way to photograph one of Britain's most beautiful cities.
The cost is £100 per person, with groups limited to four photographers to maximise 1-2-1 advice and guidance.
Come and photograph Oxford with me — and let's capture the motion together.
If you prefer to photograph a different city I run a Bristol tour. More details here: Jonathan Bowker | Bristol
Contact me here: Jonathan Bowker | Contact
