What technique does panning refer to in photography?

Panning is a technique used in photography to capture motion while maintaining focus on a moving subject. This is achieved by moving the camera to follow the subject's movement, which results in a sharp image of the subject against a blurred background. The blur of the background enhances the sense of speed and dynamism, making it feel like the viewer is experiencing the motion firsthand. This technique is particularly effective in sports photography or when photographing any fast-moving object, as it conveys action and excitement.

The other techniques listed do not capture the essence of panning: moving the camera in a circular motion does not necessarily involve following a subject; taking multiple exposures typically refers to creating a composite image without the dynamic motion aspect; and using a tripod stabilizes the camera for still photography, which contrasts with the motion inherent in panning.