What is shutter speed?
- Jun 2
- 4 min read
Shutter speed is the length of time your camera’s shutter stays open to let light in and capture an image. It directly affects both the brightness of your photo and how motion appears, whether that means freezing a moment sharply or introducing blur to show movement.
When I’m out with my camera capturing New England landscape photography, shutter speed is one of my favorite tools for shaping how a scene feels. Even the smallest of changes can completely transform the final image, especially when working with water, weather, or shifting light patterns.
1) What is shutter speed in photography?
Shutter speed refers to how long your camera sensor is exposed to light. When you take a photo, the camera’s shutter opens to allow light to reach the sensor or film, then closes again. The length of time the shutter opens for, the exposure time, is typically measured in fractions of a second, from 1/1000 for very fast exposures up to several seconds for longer ones.
In most cameras, shutter speed is adjusted using a control dial or setting within the camera’s menu system. If you have a mirrorless or DSLR camera, you can change it manually in shutter priority or manual mode, while automatic modes will adjust it for you based on the light conditions.
2) How does shutter speed affect your photos?
Shutter speed affects your photos by controlling how motion is recorded and how much light reaches the camera sensor or film. It’s one of the simplest settings to adjust, but also one of the most powerful when it comes to changing the mood of an image.
Faster shutter speeds freeze movement, which is especially useful when photographing shifting conditions or changing light. It keeps details crisp and sharp, even in moments where everything around feels in motion.
Slower shutter speeds do the opposite. They allow movement to blur naturally, which can create a softer, more atmospheric feel. I often use this long exposure technique to smooth out water, soften cloud movement, or add a sense of calm to otherwise busy scenes.
Because the shutter controls how long light is allowed into the camera, it also helps balance exposure in different lighting conditions. On bright days, a faster shutter speed helps reduce the amount of light entering the camera, while in low light or at night, a slower shutter speed allows more light in.
3) How I use shutter speed in New England landscape photography
When I’m shooting New England landscape photography, I alter the shutter speed based on both the environment and the mood I want to create, with coastal locations, forests, and mountains all offering different opportunities to experiment.
In practice, it helps to think in terms of whether I want to freeze a moment or let it unfold over time. That decision usually falls into two approaches:
a) Short shutter speeds
I use faster shutter speeds when I want to hold onto detail, freeze movement, or work in brighter conditions where I need to reduce the amount of light entering the camera. This helps keep images sharp and balanced, especially in fast-changing environments.
Examples include:
Freezing waves as they crash against rocks
Capturing sharp detail in blowing leaves or grasses
Holding detail in fast-moving water in rivers or streams
Keeping clouds crisp in bright, sunny skies
b) Long shutter speeds
Slower shutter speeds allow more light into the camera, which makes them especially useful in lower light conditions or when I want to create a more atmospheric feel. They also introduce motion blur in a really intentional way.
Examples include:
Smoothing ocean water into a soft, mist-like surface
Blurring clouds to create gentle movement across the sky
Softening flowing water in waterfalls or streams
Creating a calmer, more atmospheric feel during low-light conditions
Both approaches have their place, and I often switch between them depending on the conditions in front of me. Some of my favorite images come from experimenting somewhere in between, where motion is only partially blurred, and the scene retains structure. Small adjustments can make a significant difference, so take time to review and refine each shot and don’t be afraid to experiment a little.
Hi, I’m Erica Joy, and photography has been a way for me to foster connections, find my calm, and spark my creativity. Every time I set up my camera, whether I’m capturing a quintessential New England scene or wonders around the world, my goal is to preserve not only the beauty in front of me but also the emotions it stirs within me. Whether you’re interested in landscape photography, browsing my art prints, joining me for workshops or community events, or commissioning a custom print, I’d love to help you connect with the beauty of the world.
If you enjoyed this article, you might also like “Photography tips for beginners”.
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