Shutter Speed is in reference to how fast the shutter is going on a camera.
The higher the shutter speed (1/1000) means the faster the shutter is going. The smaller the shutter speed means the slower the shutter speed is going (1/30)
It is measured in seconds.
A good rule of thumb unless you have a tripod is to keep your shutter speed at 1/60 or higher to capture the best from your camera. With a tripod you can go even lower, and that’s where long exposure can also come in handy. I promise we’ll discuss the importance of a tripod later.
In order to freeze motion, you will want to utilize a higher shutter speed. If you want your picture to show the blur of motion you will want to utilize a lower shutter speed.
Situations in which you may want a slower shutter speed:
When trying to capture moving water
When trying to capture the speed trails of light
Or when you’re trying to capture the speed of a car, motorcycle, or even a bike.
Otherwise, if you’re looking to capture a picture with very little blur in it you will want to utilize a higher shutter speed.
So, get out there and start experimenting with shutter speeds, and let me know what you come up with =) They’re a ton of fun!
Another great article on Shutter Speed can be found here: http://digital-photography-school.com/shutter-speed
Nice, easy to understand description of shutter speed. Is the light trail picture yours? I’ve Bernard trying, but failing spectacularly, to get decent nigt trails!
Modern Gypsy recently posted..Book review: The Devotion of Suspect X – Keigo Higashino
Yes, the light trail picture is mine. Do you have a tripod?? =) If you’d like to know how send me a message, and I’ll walk you through it! =)
Yes, I have a tripod. Would love to know how to do this!
Modern Gypsy recently posted..Book review: The Devotion of Suspect X – Keigo Higashino
I promise a future post! I’ll focus on the use of tripods on Monday =) and I’ll explain the process then!
I love that second picture SO MUCH. Also, you always make posts like this very easy to understand, which is so appreciated!
Holly recently posted..Photo a Day May: Mum
Thanks Holly. My goal is that people can take something away from these posts no matter what level you may be at with your photography.
Love both those pics! Just yesterday I was thinking about how I could get a photo of my dog while he is running. I don’t have a fancy camera with a shutter speed option, but I at least feel I have a better understanding now of how it works. Great post – thanks!
Nisha recently posted..Just For Today: Put Flowers On Your Desk To Boost Your Mood
Love those pictures! Shutter speed can make or break a picture then. I was always confused about shutter speed. Thanks for explaining it so well!
GREAT pics!!….and a great explenation! Thanks!
Olga Hermans recently posted..What About Faithfulness?
Very clear and simple explanation. Remember, also, when using something other than a standard lens, the rule of thumb for hand-holding a camera (not using a tripod) is 1/the length of the lens. I find this helpful when teaching people that a tripod may be necessary.
Marie Leslie recently posted..How to Organize Important Documents, Part 4
Great Instructions! And I also love that second photo!
Lisa D.B. Taylor recently posted..Emancipation vs. The Binky
GREAT post Jamie! I plan to be more aware of my shutter speed from now on – THANKS for this! AWESOME photos!!!
Dale Anne Potter recently posted..Tape Transfer…
Informative and I love the picture of the horses
Anita recently posted..How to Free Yourself from Guilt
Love the pictures, especially the horses! Thanks for that easy explanation. I always vow to learn more about my camera each time I buy a new one, but never find the time. Your examples were really helpful.
Jennifer recently posted..Is Your Google+ Business Page a Waste of Time?
There is a lot to learn. The hard part is always implementing =)