Shutter speed and its uses.

Definition.

Shutter speed is the length of time, measured in seconds or fractions of a second, that the shutter stays open, allowing light to reach the film.

In digital cameras it is the length of time the recording sensor stays activated when you press the shutter release button.

Adjustment modes.

Sometimes you will be required to change the shutter speed.

For example you may make an adjustment to the aperture, in order to change the depth of field. To maintain the proper exposure you will need to increase or decrease the speed of the shutter.

Read your cameras manual. Most good quality digital cameras will have an aperture priority (AP) mode. Sometimes referred to as Aperture Value (AV).

This will allow you to make adjustments to the aperture and the camera will automatically select the shutter speed.

You may also use full manual (M) mode and make all the adjustments yourself.

Remember once the speed is slower than 1/250 of a second you should use a tripod to avoid camera shake.

However, it is always a good idea to use a tripod whenever possible in order to produce the sharpest photos.

Sometimes you will want to adjust the speed, in order to achieve a certain effect.

If you would like to freeze action in order to capture your child running a race or a bird in flight, you will need to open and close the shutter very quickly.

To blur action in order to attain that silky look of flowing water or the appearance of speed in a car race, you will need to keep the shutter open longer.

When you make an adjustment to the speed of the shutter you will also need to adjust the aperture. This is necessary to maintain a proper exposure.

Once again this can be done manually (M) or in a semi automatic mode.

You can set your camera to Shutter Priority (SP) mode. Sometimes referred to as Time Value (TV).

Then choose the shutter speed you want and the camera will automatically select the aperture.

There are two other modes that you should consider.

The first is the program (P) mode where your camera will automatically set the aperture and shutter speed. This is fine if you just want to take snap shots.

It is also a useful tool if things around you are happening too fast for you to play with the settings manually.

The other is bulb (B) mode. In B mode the shutter will stay opened for as long as you hold the shutter release button down.

This is a special setting used mostly for taking night scenes such as fireworks. For this setting be sure to use a tripod and shutter release cable.

In summary.

There is a choice of automatic or semi-automatic or even fully manual modes to choose from.

Try all the settings, take a lot of pictures and see what the results are.

You will learn which mode to use for the effect you want in your photos. You may even find a favorite mode to shoot in.

The key is, don’t limit yourself, be a real shutter bug. Try them all. Take tons of photos.

Of course some of them will not turn out very well.

Just remember this, you will learn as much from the bad photos as from the good ones.

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