Shutter Speed Canada - Photography Terms & Glossary

Glossary Of Photography Terms [1]

Shutter Speed Shutter speed refers to the length of time that the camera's shutter remains open to allow light to reach the image sensor or film plane during the process of capturing a photograph. It is one of the three fundamental elements of exposure, alongside aperture and ISO sensitivity. Shutter speed is typically measured in fractions of a second, such as 1/1000s, 1/250s, or 1/30s, although some cameras also offer longer exposure times measured in full seconds or even minutes for specific photography techniques.

Fast shutter speeds, such as 1/1000s or higher, freeze motion and are ideal for capturing fast-moving subjects with minimal blur, such as sports events or wildlife photography. On the other hand, slow shutter speeds, such as 1/30s or slower, allow for longer exposure times and can be used creatively to capture motion blur, emphasize movement, or achieve intentional blur effects in certain types of photography, such as long-exposure landscapes or flowing water scenes.
Understanding shutter speed and how to adjust it effectively allows photographers to control motion, freeze action, or convey a sense of movement in their images, contributing to the creative expression and visual impact of their photographs.