From SLRlounge
Panning is the technique of moving your camera in the same direction your subject is moving so as to keep the latter pretty much in sharp focus but letting the background go all blurred — hence, giving a wonderful effect of fast action.
The technique can be summarized as follows:
- Prefocus your camera to the point where you are going to release the shutter
- Follow your subject in a smooth arc
- Trip the shutter when the subject reaches predetermined position
- Continue thru the arc smoothly
It’s easier said than done, takes lots of practice and the video explains clearly the other variables to keep in mind.
Here are some samples of panning: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8.
source fstoppers