What motion does a Pan involve when operating a camera?

A Pan involves a left or right movement of the camera, typically performed while the camera is mounted on a fixed base such as a tripod. This motion allows the operator to follow action or capture a broader view of the scene without moving the entire camera setup. The emphasis is on the camera rotating horizontally around a vertical axis, which provides a dynamic way to engage viewers with the narrative or composition being filmed.

This technique is commonly used in various types of shot compositions and is essential for storytelling in video production, as it can create a sense of space and movement within a scene. It is important to differentiate this from other camera movements that involve vertical pivoting or more complex rotations, which are not classified as a pan.