P-51D “Dakota Kid”
captured by D5 / 200-400VR2
Panning is a basic technique that is very important to our photography. In a nutshell, it’s a technique that stops a moving subject visually in our photograph. The basic technique is based on proper handholding and twisting at the trunk. This assumes the subject is out in front of us moving is a predictable way permitting the basic technique to work. But what happens when the subject doesn’t move in a level way in front of us? What happens when it comes scream right at your head?!
B-25J “Bettys Dream”
captured by D5 / 200-400VR2
Last weekend I gained access to the pyro field at the Wings Over Houston Airshow. All the performers fly out in front of the audience which is a line about 500 yards out. The Pyro line is also 500 yards out in front of the audience. That means that where I was standing, the planes were right over my head and not in front of me. This meant that panning on a subject out in front of me wasn’t possible but rather, I was panning subject flying over my head. Proper handholding goes out the window, so does twisting at the waist. I meant I started with the D5 / 200-400VR2 pointed straight in front of me and as the planes flew down the field, visually flying down the lens barrel, panning was a motion of lifting the lens up over my head to get the shots. The majority of the shooting I can’t see in the viewfinder as the camera is coming up so fast, all I can do is move the lens. I fired the entire time doing what I call hail marry panning because I have no clue if I’ll get a thing. Now I’ve been practicing this crazy idea and this past weekend got results that I like. The idea is getting shots that simply says, “screaming by” and when there clouds, the effect comes through.