Motion Panning

[Myrtle]

Quick question - I have a D80 and have been trying to do some motion panning shots but when the shutter is open you can't see through the eye piece to keep track of the subject being photographed - just wondering if anyone had any tips on how to keep the subject in the correct lens focus area while you are following it? I'm new to this kind of technique and as the next camera club subject is motion panning, I want to at least try and get an image good enough to enter.

TIA

Linda

[surenj]

I am no expert but I thought the shutter was only open 1/80th or so when you pan..you should not notice the shut shutter....

[wojtek]

I'm no expert on this but what I found works for me is
setting the aperture as small as i can (which helps for the motion blur effect),
setting the focus mode to continious,
setting the shutter mode to multiple exposure (name escapes me)
Then what I do is I line up the subject in the view finder, start to follow them and start firing off shots, i open both eyes so i can track better, most times I will end up with one or two shots that are usable.

[Pehpsi]

What are you trying to shoot? What shutter speed are you attempting to use? What program mode are you in?

I don't understand why you can't see through the view-finder when trying to shoot..

[Myrtle]

What shutter speed are you attempting to use? What program mode are you in?

Programme mode - shutter priorty.
Shutter speed was 2 seconds as I was shooting last night. Okay I know stupid etc to try panning at that speed but you know a newbie starts somewhere even if it is all wrong.

Thanks for the help peoples.

Linda
Note to self: when learning motion panning do it during the day!

[Pehpsi]

The good thing is that you can try whatever you want and experiment as much as you like. It's a great way to come up with new results, and also learn in the process. Good luck..