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Shutter Speed-Increments of Time Vs Increments of Space

Shutter Speed-Increments of Time Vs Increments of Space

During the Introduction To Photography Class, we talk about shutter speed.

Shutter speed is an element of composition that controls, among other visual characteristics, the tonality of our work. Shutter speed is an “amount of time”

At times, during the class, photographers struggle with  shutter speed in terms of “an amount of time”. Maybe it’s a fraction thing, but sometimes photographers get stuck on shutter speed.

Shutter Speeds That You’re Likely To Have On your Camera

Most cameras offer a wide range of shutter speeds.

During my classes I’ve seen cameras that range in shutter speed from 30 seconds to 1/8000 of a second. Beyond that range, there doesn’t seem to be much variance within that range, although there is the occasional exception to that range. 

Faster/Slower; More Time/Less Time

We can think of shutter speed in terms of faster or slower. In addition we can think of shutter speed as more or less time.

For example, 30 seconds is slower than 4 seconds. Similarly,  1/30 of a second is more time than 1/4 of a second.

As I mentioned before, some photographers have a rough go, with this. In fact, during my early studies and practice, I  needed a little help with this, too.

Shutter Speed-Increments of Time Vs Increments of Space

What I found helpful to come to terms with shutter speed was lookin’ at a ruler. While shutter speed is an increment of time, a ruler is an increment of space.

With shutter speed we break time into increments. On the other hand, with a ruler we break space into increments.

On most cameras we have 1/8 of a second and 1/2 of a second. Likewise, on most rulers we have 1/8 of an inch and 1/2 of an inch.

Take a look at a ruler. Which is more space; 1/8 of an inch or 1/2 of an inch? Of course, it’s 1/2 of an inch. If we can see that and grasp the idea of more and less, then we can easily extrapolate that to our shutter speeds.

 

Study And Practice Photography With Sam

Shutter Speed-Increments of Time Vs Increments of Space

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