Pro Ways To Use Shutter Speed

Learn how to take control of exposure to capture stunning lighting and convey creative motion.

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Learning to control shutter speed is often the first camera skill we learn when starting out in creative photography. It’s the most visually apparent of all the components of the exposure process, as even minor experimentation with lengthening or shortening the duration can have obvious impacts on the way detail is rendered in the final frame. Simply by stretching the exposure out by halving the indicated shutter speed, such as from 1/100 sec to 1/50 sec, we can radically change the tone of a composition by conveying movement instead of freezing the subject in a static frame. This explains why shutter speed is seen more as an artistic choice than a practical one, even though there are basic light control functions in adjusting for how long the sensor is exposed to the photons entering through the lens.

Once the essentials of camera control have been mastered and the photographer has begun experimenting with more advanced shutter speed effects, it becomes clear that a universal formula for guaranteeing success for all subjects is difficult to define. While experience does provide insight into how to adapt to the requirements of individual scenes, there is an aspect of trial and error involved. Subject type, lighting conditions, environmental and practical considerations, and creative intent all dictate what techniques are most relevant, and which settings will deliver the best results.

Here we’ll discuss how to make the most of both fast and slow shutter speeds, enabling you to choose the ideal exposure duration to control image brightness and capture the drama and character of your subject.

WORK WITH SLOW SHUTTER SPEEDS

Lengthen exposure duration to smooth detail and capture a sense of motion.