panning shots at a track meet - advice requested

[mrkeenan0]

I've attached a few shots I was trying to pan with the runner during a meet this past weekend. Let me know what you think and how I can improve.

1)
http://michaelkeenan.smugmug.com/photos/278789283_irJs2-M.jpg

2)
http://michaelkeenan.smugmug.com/photos/278789360_Qb5Hv-M.jpg

3)
http://michaelkeenan.smugmug.com/photos/278789194_AcnP8-M.jpg
Thanks in advance!

[dandaman606]

They look good. I would suggest shooting the runners in a horizontal vs. vertical format, leaving room in the right of the frame that runners would run into. This method leads the viewers into the frame the same way one's own eye does.Also, I would buck up the shutter and/or the aperture a wee bit. Good luck.

[Dan-o]

What were your shutter speeds.

[laster]

I suggest that you try to get in position such that you shoot when the runner is passing perpendicular to your position. As you can see from your third shot, when the runner is coming toward you it is hard to blur out the background. As he passes directly in front you get the maximum camera movement to blur the background allowing a slightly higher shutter speed to freeze the runner better. I also agree about the horizontal format being more esthetically pleasing for this type of shot.