Beginning Photography Tip #6:
Experiment with Shutter Speed
Snoqualmie Falls
Shooting with a Slow Shutter Speed and Tripod
© Jim Miotke 2005
All Rights Reserved
One of the most basic, overlooked, and fun aspects of photography is that you have
the power to slow time down or catch a split second.
One image happens so slowly that we could never see it and the other happens so
quickly in real time that we would never notice it. Play with shutter speed!
Use a slow shutter speed and a tripod to make a pretty picture of any creek or stream.
On the other hand, you can use a fast shutter speed (1/500 and up) to capture an
object in motion.
Combining a fast shutter speed with a long lens, you sports buffs can get a trophy
of your own when you are able to catch the expression on your favorite runningback's
face as he slips past the final defense toward a winning touchdown. Remember, catching
the moment in fast-paced action photography may take a little more practice so hang
in there.
Master photography in one of our online photo courses
Print all ten tips
Photo FAQs
