Tips for Capturing Perfect Panning Shots at LAX

Hey everyone! I've been trying to perfect my panning shots at LAX (Los Angeles International Airport - LAX), and I'm looking for some advice from fellow spotters. I usually shoot with a Canon EOS R5 paired with a 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM lens. I've been experimenting with different shutter speeds, typically ranging from 1/125 to 1/250, but I'm still struggling to get consistently sharp results while capturing the motion blur of the background.

For those who have mastered panning, what are your go-to settings or techniques, especially when shooting at a busy airport like LAX? Do you have any tips for maintaining stability during panning, or is there a particular spot at LAX that offers a better vantage point for these types of shots?

Also, how do you handle changing light conditions throughout the day? Any advice on post-processing techniques in Lightroom to enhance these images would be greatly appreciated. Looking forward to hearing your experiences and suggestions!

Great topic! Panning can be challenging, but practice makes perfect. Your gear is excellent for the job. For shutter speed, consider starting at 1/160; this often strikes a good balance between sharpness and background blur. Stability is key, so brace your elbows close to your body and smoothly follow the aircraft's path. A monopod can also help stabilize your shots.

At LAX, try spotting from the In-N-Out Burger on Sepulveda Blvd. It's a popular spot with a great view of aircraft on final approach to runways 24R and 24L. For changing lighting, keep an eye on your ISO and aperture settings to maintain proper exposure. In Lightroom, use the clarity and sharpening tools sparingly to enhance detail without introducing noise. Good luck, and keep experimenting!

Panning at LAX can indeed be tricky, but it's all about practice and finding the right rhythm. Your shutter speed range is a good start. I'd recommend experimenting with 1/160 to 1/200 for a balance between motion blur and sharpness. Stability is key; try using a monopod if a tripod is too cumbersome for quick movements. For vantage points, the Imperial Hill and the In-N-Out Burger on Sepulveda Boulevard offer excellent views, especially during golden hour.

In changing light, consider using aperture priority mode to let your camera adjust for light while you focus on panning. As for post-processing in Lightroom, use the clarity and sharpness sliders sparingly to enhance details without introducing too much noise. Keep practicing and adjusting your technique, and you'll get those perfect shots!

I've had similar challenges with panning shots at LAX. One thing that made a significant difference for me was using the lens's image stabilization in Mode 2, which is designed specifically for panning. It helps with the horizontal movement and can improve sharpness.

In terms of vantage points, try the In-N-Out Burger on Sepulveda Boulevard. It's a popular spot for spotters and offers a great view of aircraft on final approach to Runway 24R.

For changing light conditions, shooting in RAW gives you more flexibility in post-processing. In Lightroom, you can adjust highlights and shadows to bring out details. Also, consider slightly increasing vibrance to make the colors pop without looking unnatural. Keep practicing; your results will improve with persistence!

Panning at LAX can be a rewarding challenge. You've got a great setup with the EOS R5 and 100-400mm lens. I've found that using a monopod can help maintain stability during panning, especially during longer sessions. For spots at LAX, the In-N-Out Burger on Sepulveda Blvd offers a great vantage point for runway 24R arrivals, providing a clear view with consistent lighting in the afternoon.

Regarding changing light conditions, consider using aperture priority mode to let the camera adjust the exposure as needed while you focus on maintaining a steady pan. In Lightroom, using the clarity and texture sliders can help enhance the details of your shots without overdoing it. Practice is key, so keep experimenting with different speeds and techniques!

One thing that hasn't been mentioned yet is the importance of your stance and breathing technique while panning. Keeping your feet shoulder-width apart and using a gentle, continuous motion from your hips can make a big difference in stability. As for light conditions, shooting during the golden hour can add a beautiful warmth to your photos, but it does require quick adjustments to your exposure settings as the light changes rapidly. In Lightroom, you might want to play with the clarity and contrast sliders to bring out the details in the aircraft while maintaining the motion blur of the background. Have you tried any of these techniques, and if so, how have they worked for you?

One technique that works well for panning at LAX is to practice with smaller aircraft first, like the regional jets, before moving on to the larger planes. The lighter, smaller aircraft tend to be more forgiving when you're honing your panning skills. Also, when it comes to stability, try using your camera's continuous shooting mode to increase your chances of capturing that perfect shot. As for Lightroom, using the clarity and dehaze tools can help enhance the details in your photos, especially in the varied lighting conditions at LAX. Finally, the In-N-Out Burger area near the airport offers a fantastic spot for panning shots with a clear view of the runway.