Shutter speed is one of the most important settings in photography, along with aperture and ISO. It controls how long your camera’s shutter is open, exposing the sensor (or film) to light. Shutter speed affects both the brightness and the motion of your image. In this article, we will explain what shutter speed is, how it is measured, and how to use it creatively.
What is shutter speed?
Shutter speed is the amount of time that the camera’s shutter is open, exposing the sensor (or film) to light. It is also called exposure time. Shutter speed is measured in seconds or fractions of a second. Most modern DSLR and mirrorless cameras are capable of the fastest shutter speeds of up to 1/4000th of a second, with some going as high as 1/8000th. At the other end of the scale are the slowest shutter speeds. These are measured in whole seconds and generally fall anywhere between two and 30 seconds.
How does shutter speed affect images?
Shutter speed affects images in two main ways: by changing the brightness and by creating motion effects.
The brightness of an image depends on how much light reaches the sensor (or film) while the shutter is open. A longer shutter speed means more light and a brighter image, while a shorter shutter speed means less light and a darker image. However, the brightness also depends on other factors, such as aperture and ISO, which can be adjusted to balance the exposure (more on exposure here).
The motion effects of an image depend on how fast or slow the subject or the camera is moving while the shutter is open. A faster shutter speed can freeze motion and capture sharp details, while a slower shutter speed can blur motion and create a sense of movement or drama. For example, a fast shutter speed can be used to photograph a bird in flight or a water droplet in mid-air, while a slow shutter speed can be used to photograph a car’s light trails or a waterfall’s smooth flow. However, the motion effects also depend on other factors, such as the distance and direction of the subject or the camera, and whether a tripod is used or not.
Below is an example of how shutter speed affects motion. I took a few photos of this decorative wind spinner in my backyard that was spinning quite fast in the wind. I took photos at 1/400s (fast shutter speed) down to 1/25s (16x slower). Note, I compensated exposure by adjusting aperture/ISO to keep a consistent exposure.
As you can see, faster shutter speeds freeze the motion more, causing the spinner to appear sharper with more detail. In fact, at 1/400s, the spinner doesn’t appear to be moving much at all. On the other hand, the slower shutter speeds better capture the motion of the spinner by showing motion blur. The amount of motion you want to show in your image is entirely up to you, so use your creative vision to help guide your shutter speed selection. Below, we will give a few tips on what to think about before shooting to help select the shutter speed that’s right for you.
How to choose the right shutter speed?
Choosing the right shutter speed depends on your creative intention and the situation you are photographing. Here are some general guidelines to help you:
- Shutter speed can help you achieve a desired exposure. If you want a brighter image, you can use a longer shutter speed. If you want a darker image, you can use a shorter shutter speed. However, the brightness also depends on other factors, such as aperture and ISO, which can be adjusted to balance the exposure.
- If you want to freeze motion and capture sharp details, use a fast shutter speed (such as 1/500 or faster). This is useful for capturing sports, wildlife, or any fast-moving subject while keeping your image sharp.
- If you want to blur motion and create a sense of movement or drama, use slower shutter speeds. For example, you can use slower shutter speeds to create a smooth and silky effect when capturing moving water such as rivers and waterfalls. You can also use even longer shutter speeds (such as 10 seconds or longer) and a tripod to capture light in dark situations like stars, light trails, etc. There is also a technique called panning, where you move your camera along with your subject to keep it sharp while blurring the background.
- Consider the focal length of your lens. If you are using a long focal length (such as 200mm or more), you will need a faster shutter speed to avoid camera shake and blur. A general rule is to use a shutter speed that is at least equal to the reciprocal of your focal length. For example, if you are using a 200mm lens, use a shutter speed of at least 1/200. However, this rule may not apply if you have image stabilization in your camera or lens, which can allow you to use slower shutter speeds without blur.
- And last, but not least: experiment and practice! The best way to get a feel for the creative effects of shutter speed is to try out different settings and check out the results.
Shutter Speed and Camera Modes
Shutter speed can be set manually or automatically by your camera. If you want full control over your shutter speed, use manual mode (M) and adjust it according to your preference. If you want your camera to choose the best shutter speed for you based on the lighting conditions and your desired effect, consider using aperture priority mode (Av on Canon cameras). If you want to set your shutter speed and let your camera adjust the aperture accordingly, use shutter priority mode (S or Tv).