Here’s an experiment to learn about how shutter speed works.

• Shutter speed is the amount of time that the shutter stays open.
• Shutter speed is measured in seconds or fractions of seconds.
• • 1/1000 s
  • 1/500 s
  • 1/250 s
  • 1/125 s
  • 1/60 s
  • 1/30 s
  • 1/15 s
  • 1/8 s
  • 1/4 s
  • 1/2 s
  • 1 s
• The bigger the denominator (number on bottom) means the faster the shutter speed.( 1/1000 of a second is faster than 1/2 of a second.)
• If you want to stop action and freeze movement, you use a faster shutter speed aka higher denominator.
• If you want to capture motion/blur or let in more light, you use a slower shutter speed aka a lower denominator. Remember motion isn’t always bad.
• If you are hand holding or shooting moving subjects, you usually want your shutter speed denominator to be larger than your focal length. In most cases, I use 1/125th or faster and even try to double my denominator based on focal length. When I am handholding my camera (99.9% of the time) I start getting camera shake at anything under 1/80.
• Use a tripod or stabilization when shooting at slow shutter speeds.

We set up a little backdrop with a black poster we found in the room and my lighting. I brought my wilted strawberries, my never-been-used fancy glass and a bottle of water and we began.

To set up this experiment, create a clean space with a dark backdrop and as much available light as possible. Turn your camera to “M”anual mode. The settings will depend on what lighting situation you are in. For us in our dark classroom, most of the class was set to ISO 800 F/3.5 and 1/640 on their Canon Rebels. I was set to ISO 1600 f/2.8 and 1/800 for these shots on my 5D Mark iii. Try using a fast shutter speed of 1/640 or higher.

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Kylee Maughan

Kylee Ann Maughan is a family and international brand photographer based in small-town Northern Utah. She has been a business owner for 13.5 years, and also runs a successful and award-winning associate team. Kylee hosts semi-annual retreats, speaks at conferences and teaches online courses about running a small business and marketing. Her niche in coaching is helping moms turn their passion into profit, while being the mom they dream of. 

kyleeannphotography.com/kylee