A fast Shutter speed is instrumental in capturing action photography. It lets you stop time so you can catch moments that would otherwise go by in the blink of an eye.
That was a bit of a spoiler, but now that we know when to use fast shutter speed, we can get a good idea of how it works. This article will lay it all out for you.
What is Shutter Speed?
Shutter speed is the amount of time the lens of a camera stays open to allow you to take a picture. It determines how much time the light will be given to reach the camera sensor. A fast shutter speed will allow the light to reach the sensor for a short amount of time while a slower shutter speed will allow for longer light exposure.
Along with ISO and aperture, shutter speed in one of the three factors that play a major role in image exposure.
What is a Fast Shutter Speed?
The amount of time a shutter speed remains open can be measured in a fraction of a second. With this in mind, it could seem like any shutter speed is a fast shutter speed.
However, fast shutter speed typically ranges from 1/500 to 1/4000 of a second. Medium shutter speeds range between 1/250 and 1/30 of a second while slow shutter speeds go from 1/15 of a second to a full second.
One of the nice things about a fast shutter speed is, it reduces camera shake issues. Because the shutter opens and closes so quickly, there is barely enough time to detect any shake. Therefore, there is little need for a tripod or remote shutter.
When Should I Use a Fast Shutter Speed?
Fast shutter speeds are used to capture any sort of movement. They work well in wildlife photography, sport photography and street photography, to name a few.
They are also ideal in bright light. The fast speed limits the amount of light reaching the sensor. If you use a slower speed, the photo will be overexposed.
How To Use a Fast Shutter Speed
The faster movement the faster the shutter speed required. Different cameras allow you to set shutter speed in different ways. Use your manual to determine what works for your situation.
With that in mind, here are a few settings to familiarize yourself with.
Shutter Priority Mode
This setting is usually marked with an S or Tv on the dial. It works well if you know how much you would like to freeze motion, but you don’t require full control over the camera settings. It allows you to set the shutter value and the camera will adjust the rest of the settings to ensure proper exposure. It comes in handy when you don’t have time to play around with all your settings.
Manual Mode
If you have more time to set up your camera, you may choose to take pictures in manual mode. In this mode, nothing is automatic so you will need to set your ISO and aperture yourself. Generally, a high ISO or wider aperture will compensate for the shorter shutter time.
Burst Mode
Also called ‘Continuous Shooting Mode, burst mode allows you to take several pictures back-to-back as long as the shutter is pressed. This way, you can be sure that at least one shot you take is the money shot.
A fast shutter speed is great for catching those action shots. Now that you know how to use it, you’re ready to get out there and capture some great moments. What tips do you have for when you’re turning your shutter speed up full blast?
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