Exposure

Shutter speed is measured in seconds. A typical shutter speed for photographs taken in sunlight is 1/125th of a second. In addition to its effect on exposure, shutter speed changes the way movement appears in the picture. Very short shutter speeds are used to freeze fast-moving subjects, such as taking surfing photographs (right). Very long shutter speeds are used to intentionally blur a moving subject for artistic effect, this usually requires the use of a tripod.

A slower shutter speed is also useful in creating the effect of motion. This can be achieved by following your subject as you take the photo, creating a blurred background but keeping your subject in focus. (bottom right)

Understanding shutter speed goes hand in hand with understanding aperture settings. How you set your shutter speed – the time you allow light onto your camera sensor. Will have an impact on your aperture – How much liight is being let in, so that your image is not too bright (overexposed) or too dark (underexposed).

F6.3 – 1/20sec – iso 200

F9 – 1/3200sec – iso 400

F6.3 – 1/20sec – iso 200