What is Shutter Speed? (Capturing the Moment)

In my previous post, "What is Aperture?", I mentioned that photography stands on three main pillars: Aperture, Shutter Speed, and ISO.

If we imagine a correct exposure as a glass full of water, we defined Aperture as the tap (how much water flows). Today, we focus on Shutter Speed, which represents how long that water flows.

From "Instantané" to the Shutter

The term comes from the English word "Shutter." In French, the word "instantané" means "instant" or "suddenly." In photography, shutter speed determines the exact amount of time the light stays on the sensor after passing through the aperture.

Understanding the Numbers

Depending on your camera model, shutter speeds usually range from 1/8000 second to 30 seconds.

• Fast Speeds: Values like 1/1000 or 1/4000 are used to "freeze" fast motion.

• Slow Speeds: Values like 1/2 or 15 seconds are used to capture light over time.

Every time you slow down the shutter speed (for example, moving from 1/500 to 1/250), the sensor receives double the amount of light. This is a powerful tool for controlling the brightness of your image.

Going Beyond 30 Seconds: Bulb Mode

Sometimes, 30 seconds is not enough. For very long exposures (1 minute, 10 minutes, or even more), we use Bulb Mode. This mode allows the shutter to stay open as long as you hold the button—perfect for star trails or creative night photography.

Why Use "Shutter Priority" Mode?

On your camera dial, you will find this mode marked as "S" (Nikon, Sony, Fuji) or "Tv" (Canon). In Shutter Priority mode, you choose the speed, and the camera automatically adjusts the aperture to get the right exposure.

When do I use it?

I usually prefer this mode when I want to capture motion blur. Sometimes, sharpness isn't everything. When I want to emphasize the movement of a subject—like children running and jumping—I choose a slower speed like 1/10 or 1/5.

In these moments, my goal is not "depth of field" or "perfect sharpness." My goal is to show the rhythm of life. By slowing down the shutter, the movement becomes a beautiful blur, making the photo feel more alive and emotional.