Shutter speed control might seem like a basic skill for a more advanced photographer: it's one of the first aspects of camera work that we learn when starting out in photography, and you might think that there isn't much more that you need to know about controlling the duration of your exposures. However, the shutter speed you select does more than simply moderating how much light enters the camera, and learning the various creative uses of shutter speed settings can open up a world of advanced techniques for use in any situation. As with most camera setups, it's possible to get stuck in an artistic rut, using the same settings over and over, and capturing similar images on each of our shoots. Sometimes, making simple changes to our choice of long or short exposure, subject matter and camera position can mix up our portfolios and maybe even send us down a creative path towards a new signature visual style, helping us to set our work apart.
The human eye doesn't make it easy for us to see motion effects. They're visible, but our brains work to create the sharpest, highest-quality image possible, and by pushing shutter speed into less-used exposure territory we can tell a more emotive story with our cameras. Let's dive into some simple steps that you can start using today.
CAPTURE STAR TRAILS
Shooting star trails is a wonderfully creative way of capturing the movement of stars. It involves opening the shutter for a long period of time, which records the stars as the Earth rotates, creating the impression that they're moving. Experiment with the exposure time, and find the duration that produces the effect you want. You can either capture a single frame for an extended period using a low ISQ, which results in less noise, or blend a series of shorter-length frames to achieve a similar result. Personally, I prefer to shoot a single image, as it takes up less space on my hard drive and is quicker to process.
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Denne historien er fra May 30, 2024-utgaven av Photography week.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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DORSET DELIGHTS
Pro photographer Jack Lodge delivers a masterclass in landscapes and seascapes in the picturesque English county of Dorset
PURR-FECT PORTRAITS
Mike Harris shows you how to photograph your kitten indoors, with top tips for capturing images that are the cat's pyjamas
VILTROX LAUNCHES AF 56MM F/1.7 FOR SONY E-MOUNT
Budget portrait lens for APS-C cameras is already available for Z and X mounts
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Use this overlooked Photoshop tool to create painterly effects with ease The Smudge Tool might at first seem like it has a limited set of uses, but it can be employed to create all kinds of creative effects, including painterly treatments.
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The market leader's beginner drone now offers 4K video
FUJIILM UNVEILS TWO NEW INSTAX MINI EVO DESIGNS
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FUJIFILM X-T50
Were you expecting an affordable new entry-level option for Fujifilm’s X Series? This camera is something more
THE ART OF COPYING ART
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FAST & FURIOUS!
Pro motorsports photographer Jakob Ebrey delivers a masterclass in capturing high-octane action shots at the UK's Donington Park race circuit
TTARTISAN'S NEW MINI LED LOOKS LIKE A FILM CANISTER
Cheap and charming accessory is perfect for retro photography fans