We asked Marc-Antoine Lacourse, trainer and advisor at our Trois-Rivières store, to explain to us in less than two minutes, what the shutter speed is. Here is what we got!
What is the shutter speed?
The shutter speed is the period of time during which your camera lets your sensor be exposed to light.
A camera, in general, can capture photos between 1/4000th and 30 seconds of exposure. Professional cameras are capable of a much longer or faster value however.
The shutter speed can be fast or slow.
We take the example of one second. More than a second, and that is a slow speed. Any quicker than one second is fast.
A fast speed is often used to capture a moving subject. Between 1/250th and 1/8000th of a second. Useful for capturing a subject in motion, such as animals or sports.
Marc-Antoine Lacourse
Nikon D750 + 24-70mm f/2.8
1/1000 | f/4 | ISO 1000
A slow shutter speed is used to shoot a scene or a subject in low light, to let a lot of light be caught. Between two seconds and several minutes of exposure. Ideal for night shots! Bring your tripod for extra stability.
Shiro hatori (Unsplash)
To find the right shutter speed, I recommend that you determine whether your scene or subject is moving or still. Then, decide whether you want to create an effect of movement...
Marc-Antoine Lacourse
Nikon Z9 + 24-70mm f/2.8G
1/15 | f/18 | ISO 32
...or freeze the subject like a statue.
Marc-Antoine Lacourse
Nikon Z9 + 70-200mm f/2.8G
1/400 | f/2.8 | ISO 2000
Trial and error is welcome to create the closest image to the one you imagined.
Marc-Antoine Lacourse
Nikon D500 + 70-200mm f/2.8
1/800 | f/4 | ISO 50
In short, our choice of speed earns us that long-awaited photo.
To learn more, I recommend that you drop by our stores see one of our advisors, or visit our website to find out about the online courses, group courses and photo outings that are currently being offered by Gosselin College instructors - we look forward to seeing you there!
