Panning is the technique of following the motion of something as it moves from side to side across the scene in front of you. Using a super fast shutter speed will freeze the motion sharply, but can mean the image lacks interest. Using a slower shutter speed when panning gives you the unique ability to be able to combine frozen motion, with blurred motion, in the one shot.

For the Pantastic challenge in our Emerge course, we wanted to see our challengers nail the technique and boy, did they nail it! We had a fantastic set of submissions, and selecting the top 10 was a challenge for us!

Here, in no particular order, are our top 10 for Emerge's Pantastic challenge.

- Charlotte & Craig 🐶 📸 ✨

Amy Hodson | Wander Pet Photography

Gorgeous light, the mist and soft colour palette add atmosphere and the moment of action is beautifully captured.

Brittani White 

The soft light and colour gradient in the sky add extra emotion to this well crafted panning shot. The point of the dogs stride is excellent and the hint of motion blur is just what we were calling for in this challenge.

Desiree Nickerson | Born 2 Run Photography

The slight leap and inclusion of the agility equipment adds a nice touch of story telling to a beautifully executed and panning image and edit.

Ginger Wick | Ginger Wick Photography

The power of a hound in full run can be expressed through an outstretched body position, but also in this moment with the legs crossing so dramatically. A great moment to showcase a panning technique, with the adding challenge of using backlight, which has been used very well here.

Gloria Anderson | GoDogPhoto

This is such a bold use of slow shutter speed and the technique here has been absolutely nailed. The black and white treatment add a really nice emotive quality to the image.

Julie Cork | J Cork Photography

This is a beautifully timed shot, great point in the stride and the diagonal line  of the dogs back is extended by the soft lines of the landscape behind. 

Juliette Bercovici | Juliette Bercovici

This was captured right in the prime moment with the body as elongated as it can be. Very dynamic feel, enhanced by the cinematic crop.

Lisa Olson | Pets R Family

A great moment of this giant breed lolloping along as they tend to do! The texture and angles of the branches above echo the angles of the dogs body beautifully and the panning technique has been executed very well.

Marie Wulfram | Marie Wulfram Photography

A perfectly executed panning technique, fantastic composition and well times for the point in the dog's stride make this a memorable Pantastic submission.

Shandess Griffin | Shand and Your Dogs Photography

Incorporating the reflection and a fairly extreme level of motion blur really makes this image stand out. The light, colour palette and outstretched body all work together to make this an excellent submission.

Are you ready to transform your pet photography in just 6 months?

The Unleashed Challenges are a series of 3 interactive challenge based courses, Embark, Emerge and Empower. Each one with 12 challenges running over 6 months. 

Much more than just a challenge, Then Unleashed challenges are an invaluable educational resource that will help you build up a go-to list of shots to help create variety in your work. Designed for anyone to be able to complete whether you just want to photograph your own dog or you are a professional pet photographer.

If you'd like to know more, head over here to register your interest.