In this chapter we will be discussing shutter speed. Shutter speed is one of the three pillars of photography; the other two being aperture and ISO, which we will talk about in the next two chapters. Shutter speed is responsible for creating dramatic effects by either freezing action or blurring motion.
The camera's shutter is the 'curtain' in front of the camera's sensor that stays closed until the camera fires. When you press that shutter button to take a photo, the shutter opens and fully exposes the camera sensor to the light that passes through the lens aperture (which we'll talk about in Chapter 4). After the sensor has collected all the light it needs, the shutter closes immediately, stopping the light from hitting the sensor.
Shutter speed, also known as "exposure time", stands for the length of time a camera shutter is open to expose light into the camera sensor. If the shutter speed is fast, it can help to freeze action completely, as only a split second of light is recorded onto the sensor. If the shutter speed is slow, it can create the effect of 'motion blur', where moving objects appear blurred along the direction in which they were moving.
Shutter speeds are typically measured in fractions of a second, when they are under a second. For example, 1/4 means a quarter of a second, while 1/250 means two-hundred-fiftieth of a second. You can also elongate the shutter speed for multiple seconds. Most modern DLSRs can typically last using 30 seconds. Some cameras even have a BULB setting, which keeps the shutter open for as long as the shutter button is pressed.
Motion Stop
You can stop motion in your photos by choosing a quicker shutter speed. Typically, a shutter speed of 1/500 will be able to stop motion in its tracks in your photo. Take look at the examples below to get an idea of what stopping motion can look like.
Motion Blur
Blurring motion in your images show a sense of movement. Using a tripod with these types of image will be useful, as it allows for the stationary objects in the scene stay in focus, and the moving objects to flow through the image. These photos are usually shot from 1/30th of a second all the way up to 30 seconds, or even longer! Waterfall shots are popular with this technique, as it softens the flow of water but allows for the focus on the landscape surrounding it.
Panning
Panning is the art of physically moving the camera along the same path as the object you're photographing at the same rate of speed. This will capture the subject in sharp focus, while the background will be blurred, visually depicting your subject moving very fact through the frame. This is very popular in advertisements of cars and motorcycles. These will also be taken at a slower shutter speed.
Light Painting
I'm sure you've seen the photos of people drawing their name in mid-air, kids twirling sparklers or incredible photos of fireworks lighting up the entire sky. These are done by a technique called light painting. Again, your shutter will be set to a very low speed, and the use of a tripod is beneficial. Set your camera to 30 second shutter, grab your phone and turn on the flashlight, and start drawing in the air!
Shutter speed is one of the first of three settings you should master in order to understand the "exposure triangle". Learning these processes allow for more creativity and control in each shooting situation. Give each technique a shot! Try out stopping motion, blurring motion, panning motion, and even light painting with unique and creative subjects, upload them to a Flickr album labeled "Shutter Speed", and send me the link! Let's talk about what you learned.