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Shutter Speed

Lesson: Understanding Shutter Speed in Photography.

Objective

By the end of this lesson, participants will:

  1. Understand what shutter speed is and how it works in a camera.

  2. Learn the differences between slow and fast shutter speeds.

  3. Apply shutter speed techniques to create specific effects in photography, such as freezing motion or creating motion blur

1. What is Shutter Speed?

Shutter speed refers to the amount of time the camera's shutter remains open when you take a photo. It determines how much light enters the camera sensor and how motion is captured in the image.

  • Measured in seconds or fractions of a second:

    • Fast shutter speeds: 1/500, 1/1000, or higher (shorter duration).

    • Slow shutter speeds: 1/30, 1 second, or longer (longer duration).

  • Key Function of Shutter Speed:

    • Controls motion in a photograph.

    • Affects brightness (exposure) of the image.

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2. Fast Shutter Speed

What it Does

  • A fast shutter speed captures a quick snapshot of a scene, freezing any motion.

  • Useful for high-speed action photography where clarity and sharpness are essential.

Applications

  1. Wildlife Photography: Freeze a bird in flight or a kangaroo hopping.

  2. Sports Photography: Capture an athlete mid-action.

  3. Everyday Life: Stop water droplets in motion during rainfall or freeze a jumping pet

  4. Examples of Fast Shutter Speeds

  5. 1/500 or faster: Ideal for capturing motion without blur.

  6. 1/1000 or faster: Needed for very fast subjects, such as birds, cars, or running athletes.

  7. Activity: Freezing Motion

  8. Find a moving subject (e.g., an animal, a person running, or water).

  9. Set your camera to Shutter Priority Mode and select a shutter speed of 1/500 or higher.

  10. Take a photo and observe how the motion is frozen in time.

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3. Slow Shutter Speed

What it Does

  • A slow shutter speed allows the camera’s sensor to collect light for a longer duration, creating a sense of motion or blur in the image.

  • Ideal for artistic effects and low-light photography.

Applications

  1. Light Trails: Capture the motion of car headlights or stars moving across the sky.

  2. Water Blur: Smoothen the appearance of flowing water in rivers or waterfalls.

  3. Night Photography: Capture dimly lit scenes or fireworks.

Examples of Slow Shutter Speeds

  • 1/30 to 1 second: Moderate blur; useful for handheld shots in low light.

  • 1 second or longer: Dramatic blur effects (requires a tripod).

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Activity: Creating Motion Blur

  1. Choose a subject in motion (e.g., running water or moving vehicles).

  2. Use a tripod to stabilize your camera.

  3. Set your camera to Shutter Priority Mode and select a slow shutter speed, such as 1/4 or 1 second.

  4. Take a photo and observe the blur effect created by the movement.

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4. Combining Fast and Slow Shutter Speeds

Why Use Both?

Using both techniques in photography allows you to tell a story or evoke emotion. While fast shutter speeds freeze action and provide clarity, slow shutter speeds add a sense of motion, dynamism, and creativity.

Example Scenario

  • At a waterfall:

    • Use fast shutter speed to capture individual water droplets mid-air.

    • Use slow shutter speed to smoothen the flow of water for an ethereal effect.

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5. Practical Considerations

Lighting and Exposure

  • Fast Shutter Speeds: Require more light or a higher ISO because the sensor is exposed for a short time.

  • Slow Shutter Speeds: Allow more light in but may overexpose in bright environments unless you use an ND filter.

Tripod Use

  • Always use a tripod for slow shutter speeds to avoid camera shake and ensure sharp stationary elements in the photo.

Shutter Priority Mode (S or Tv):

Most cameras have a mode where you can control shutter speed, while the camera adjusts the aperture automatically.

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6. Key Takeaways

  1. Fast Shutter Speeds: Freeze action and are best for wildlife, sports, and fast-moving subjects.

  2. Slow Shutter Speeds: Create motion blur or capture light in dim conditions, great for creative and artistic shots.

  3. Practice: Experiment with both techniques to find the balance between motion and stillness that fits your photography goals.​

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Activity Wrap-Up

Exercise: Shutter Speed Comparison

  1. Find a moving subject (e.g., a cyclist, water, or animals at Byron Bay Wildlife Sanctuary).

  2. Take two photos:

    • One with a fast shutter speed (1/1000).

    • One with a slow shutter speed (1/4).

  3. Compare the two images:

    • What story does each image tell?

    • How do they differ in terms of emotion and detail?

Let me know if you'd like this formatted further into a workbook or need additional details!

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FAR NORTH COAST-WILD LIFE 

Photography & Videography

A collection of local and endemic species of the fury to the scaley. Wallabies to whales and everything in-between treat your eyes and imagination to these wonderful creatures that call the area home. 

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