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This session focuses on the creative technique of panning. Cowboys on horseback will ride across the arena while participants, positioned in corral alley, use slower shutter speeds to follow the motion of the subject. When done correctly, the horse and rider remain relatively sharp while the background and foreground blur with motion, creating a strong sense of speed and energy.

The secret to successful panning is keeping your subject in the same place in the frame as you track their movement. This consistent framing, combined with smooth camera motion, helps maintain sharpness on the rider while the background blurs.

Panning is a great way to add variety and artistry to western action photography. It requires timing, smooth camera movement, and experimentation with shutter speeds. Expect some trial and error as you refine your technique, which is part of the learning process.

Lisa will provide a brief demonstration and recommended starting settings before we begin. Staff will be available throughout the session to help with camera setup and technique. Riders will make multiple passes to give everyone several opportunities to practice.

Recommended Lenses: Mid-range 70–200mm

Settings:
1/30 to 1/40 second
ISO:  Under 500 if possible

Aperture: Start wide, but adjust as sun comes up, stopping down to keep ISO under 500 as ambient light increases.  This means you may be at f/22 to f/36+ by the end of the session.  Focus tracking, multiple frames per second.

Models: Ashleigh, Jenna, Duncan, JD, Luke

Staff: All staff

We will cover settings on location 

 Panning Examples

These examples illustrate how panning creates a sense of motion by keeping the subject in focus while the background blurs. Pay attention to how timing, smooth tracking, and shutter speed choices affect the final result.