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For many photographers, shutter speed is more than just a technical setting. It’s a creative tool that can transform an ordinary shot into a masterpiece. Whether you’re freezing a hummingbird in mid-flight or capturing the silky flow of a waterfall, understanding shutter speed is key to elevating your landscape and wildlife photography.
In this video, Jalen Oban explores how shutter speed works, common mistakes to avoid, and practical tips to help you harness its power in your own work.
What Is Shutter Speed?
Shutter speed refers to how long the camera’s shutter remains open, allowing light to hit the sensor. Think of it as a tiny curtain that opens and closes. The faster it closes, the less light enters, and the sharper the motion appears. Conversely, a slower shutter speed lets in more light and creates motion blur.
Jalen explains that shutter speed is measured in fractions of a second, such as 1/1000 or 1/30. For exposures longer than a second, you’ll see numbers like 2” or 5”. Understanding these settings is crucial for balancing exposure and motion in your shots.
Freezing Motion: When to Use Fast Shutter Speeds
Fast shutter speeds are perfect for capturing sharp, crisp images of moving subjects. Jalen notes that anything faster than 1/250th of a second can freeze motion, but the exact speed depends on the scenario.
- Sports or Wildlife: For a soccer player mid-kick or a bird in flight, Jalen recommends starting at 1/1000th of a second. For faster subjects like hummingbirds, he suggests pushing it to 1/4000th of a second.
- Water Droplets: To freeze the splash of a wave or a droplet, 1/2000th of a second works wonders.
One common mistake Jalen highlights is using too slow of a shutter speed for fast-moving subjects. This can result in unwanted blur. He also advises doubling your focal length when shooting handheld to ensure sharpness. For example, if you’re using a 30mm lens, aim for at least 1/60th of a second.
Embracing Motion Blur: Creative Uses for Slow Shutter Speeds
While fast shutter speeds freeze action, slow shutter speeds can add artistic flair to your images. Jalen loves using slower speeds to create dreamy, dynamic effects.
- Waterfalls and Landscapes: For silky, smooth water effects, Jalen suggests shutter speeds between 1/3 of a second to 1 second. During his trip to the Columbia River Gorge, he used this technique to capture the ethereal flow of waterfalls.
- Panning Shots: To emphasize motion, Jalen recommends panning shots for moving subjects like cars or athletes. By tracking the subject with a slow shutter speed (around 1/60th of a second), you can keep the subject sharp while blurring the background.
However, Jalen cautions that slow shutter speeds require careful handling. Using a tripod is essential to avoid camera shake, especially in low-light conditions.
Balancing Exposure: The Role of Shutter Speed in the Exposure Triangle
Shutter speed doesn’t just control motion—it also affects exposure. A longer shutter speed lets in more light, while a shorter one reduces light. Jalen demonstrates this by shooting in a dark room: at 1/4000th of a second, the image is completely black, but at 5 seconds, it’s overexposed.
To balance exposure, Jalen emphasizes the importance of adjusting your aperture and ISO. For example, if you’re using a fast shutter speed in bright conditions, you might need to narrow your aperture or lower your ISO to avoid overexposure. Conversely, in low light, a slower shutter speed may require a wider aperture or higher ISO.
Jalen also recommends using ND filters (like sunglasses for your camera) when shooting long exposures in bright daylight. These filters reduce the amount of light entering the lens, allowing you to use slower shutter speeds without overexposing the image.
Practical Tips for Mastering Shutter Speed
- Experiment with Different Speeds: Don’t be afraid to play around with shutter speed settings. Try freezing action one moment and creating motion blur the next.
- Use a Tripod for Slow Shutter Speeds: This ensures sharpness and stability, especially in low-light conditions.
- Adjust Aperture and ISO: Remember that shutter speed is part of the exposure triangle. Balancing all three settings is key to achieving the perfect shot.
- Practice Panning: This technique takes time to master but can yield stunning results for moving subjects.
- Learn from Mistakes: Jalen admits that he’s made plenty of errors with shutter speed, but each mistake has taught him something new.
Final Thoughts
Mastering shutter speed is a game-changer. It will allow you to express your creativity in ways you may never have thought possible, from freezing split-second moments to capturing the graceful flow of water. By understanding how shutter speed works and practising different techniques, you, too, can take your photography to the next level. Watch the whole video below: