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 one shot.

For this challenge, we wanted to see images created using this technique and, wherever possible, to introduce some motion blur to the images.

We had an incredible set of submissions again for this challenge. We know it's not an easy one, in fact, we think it's probably the most difficult of all the challenges!

So without further ado, here are our top 10 Pantastic images, congratulations to the photographers!

Charlotte & Craig 🐶 📸 ✨

Allison Schwickerath | Allison Mae Photography

The dog stands out so clearly against the winter landscape, the focus and intensity in its eyes really holds your attention. 

Blue Amrich | Beyond the Fence

Beautiful colour palette with a warm emotive quality. The moment of action is timed perfectly and the hint of motion blur is great.

Chantal Levesque | Chantal Levesque Photo

Excellent point of the action, great use of the panning technique and motion blur.

Iris Van Velzen | Iris Van Velzen Fotografie

This shot has a really great sense of movement, well timed, lovely colours, and a very happy-looking dog! All you want in a Pantastic action shot.

Jeff Rooney | Hightail It Photography

Beautifully times, the sand leads you in and the diagonal lines all work to draw you to the dog. Then you are rewarded with the expression and the little bits of sand blowing in the wind.

Magda Szklarska | Your Best Furiend Photography

There's a lovely humour in this, from the exaggerated whisps of the tail, to the bunched-up legs and the ears being blown backward. Really fun and excellent use of the panning technique.

Megan Purtell | Megan Purtell Photography

Fantastic intensity, aided by the tight cropping. Gorgeous colour palette. The sense of motion perfectly fits the Pantastic brief. 

Pauliina Saarinen | Pauliina Saarinen Photography

What a fantastic take on the Pantastic challenge brief. Really well put together and it feels like the full story.

Pine McCabe | Pine and Eclipse Photography

The dog is in such a strange and interesting position that really stands out. Great timing and a wonderful composition.

Rebecca Kostka | Shy Wolf Photography

This dog looks like a little kangaroo leaping through the grasses! Really striking pose, beautiful expression and a really lovely colour harmony.

Emerge is the second series in our Unleashed Challenge courses and is made up of 12 challenges over 6 months. It’s open to anyone who has completed our first course in the series, Embark.

So much more than just a challenge, the 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 and we'll send you all the details when enrolment for Embark next opens in April 2024.