Understanding Shutter Speed In Photography Tricks And Techniques

If you're interested in producing pictures with photography tricks and techniques it is important that you have a good understanding of shutter speed and how it relates to controlling exposure, creating interesting effects and getting a perfect and timely snapshot.

Shutter speed along with aperture and ISO speed are the features of the camera that determine a photo's exposure.


Understanding Shutter Speed  In Photography Techniques

The shutter speed essentially means the speed at which the shutter opens and closes. The shutter is a small flap located inside the camera, directly in front of the sensor. When you snap for a photo, this opens and closes to let light reach the sensor, creating your picture.

picture taken with fast shutter speed

To get a long shutter speed the shutter needs to remain open for a long period of time and and a faster shutter speed will lead to the shutter remaining open for a shorter time.

Shutter speeds are measured in seconds but a very fast shutter speed can be a fraction of a second. Whatever length of time the shutter remains opened is known as the exposure time. Meaning, this is the length of time the camera's sensor is exposed to light.

picture taken with slow shutter speed

How To Change The Shutter Speed

The majority of cameras today have a large variety of shutter speeds for selecting ranging from some thousandths of a second to a many seconds. The SLR cameras have something called a bulb mode that allows for the shutter to remain open as long as you desire.

The shutter speed can be set to automatic or manual mode. In automatic mode the camera tries to apply the best shutter speed for your shot. Manual mode allows you to select the exact shutter speed you want which is necessary for perfecting your capture and creating interesting effects.

Your camera consists of many technical features that allows it to work but if there is only one you can learn thoroughly about and master let it be shutter speed because it's very essential for your photographing creativity.

More Pictures With Stunning Effects Created By The Camera Shutter Speed

Light Painting

Blurring Trails

Action