Shutter Speed
What is Shutter Speed?
Shutter speed is the length of time a camera's shutter remains open when taking a photo. It's measured in fractions of a second, such as 1/1000 of a second or 1/2 of a second.
What is aperture?
The opening in a camera lens that allows light to pass through. Aperture is measured in f-stops, which are fractions that indicate the size of the opening.
ISO is an exposure factor that controls how much light a camera lets in, which affects the brightness of the photo. The ISO standard was created to establish a standard for how sensitive film is to light.
What is the exposure triangle?
The exposure triangle is a fundamental concept in photography that explains how three key camera settings — aperture, shutter speed, and ISO — work together to control the exposure, or brightness, of an image. By adjusting these settings, photographers can manage the amount of light that reaches the camera sensor, which affects the image's exposure, sharpness, depth of field, and noise level.
How does a lower shutter speed affect image quality?
A lower shutter speed (i.e., a longer exposure time) can impact image quality in several ways:
1) Motion Blur: If there is any movement in the scene or if the camera moves during the exposure, it can result in motion blur.
2) Exposure: A lower shutter speed allows more light to hit the sensor, which can be beneficial in low-light situations. However, if the exposure is too long, it can lead to overexposure, washing out details in bright areas.
How does aperture impact image quality?
A larger aperture, such as f/1.4, allows more light in than a smaller aperture, such as f/16. Aperture affects the exposure, depth of field, and image quality of a photo.
How does a higher ISO impact image quality?
A higher ISO setting increases the camera sensor's sensitivity to light, allowing you to shoot in low-light conditions. However, it also has some effects on image quality:
1) Increased Noise/Grain, reducing overall clarity and sharpness.
2) Reduced Dynamic Range: High ISO may cause a loss of detail in both the highlights and shadows.
3) Color Degradation: Colors can become less accurate or vibrant at higher ISO levels.
What are "f-stops"?
In photography, an "f-stop" refers to the aperture setting on a camera lens, controlling how much light passes through the lens and hits the camera sensor.
What are five examples of shutter speed values on a camera?
examples: 1/1000, 1/250, 1/60, 1/30, 1 second
Aperture is measured in f-stops. Can you name five different f-stop values?
numbers like 1.4, 2, 2.8, 4, 5.6, 8, 11, 16, and 22
What are five examples of ISO values on a camera?
ex: ISO 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600
What is a diptych?
A diptych is a photographic image made up of two related but distinct photographs that are combined in a creative way. The two panels can be arranged side-by-side, one on top of the other, or in any other combination. They normally share some aesthetic, subject, colour, theme or form.
When photographing a concert at night or indoors, you are most likely to use a shutter speed of around what number(s)?
When photographing a concert, you are most likely to use a shutter speed of around 1/200 to 1/500 second.
1) 1/200 second is often suitable for capturing musicians in moderate motion, providing a good balance between motion blur and exposure
2) 1/500 second: This faster speed is useful for freezing fast movements, like drummers or guitarists, ensuring sharp images even during energetic performances
In a low-light scenario, are you more likely to shoot with a large or small aperture?
In a low-light scenario, you are more likely to shoot with a large aperture (a lower f-stop number, like f/1.4 or f/2.8). A large aperture allows more light to enter the camera, helping to brighten the image and improve exposure in darker conditions. However, it also creates a shallower depth of field, meaning the background will be more blurred.
When shooting in sunny outdoor environments, is it better to keep your ISO low or high?
Low values, such as ISO 100, are best for a sunny outdoor shoot.
What is depth of field?
Depth of field in photography refers to the range of distance within an image that appears acceptably sharp and in focus. It determines how much of a scene is clear or blurry, both in front of and behind the subject you focus on. Depth of field can be shallow (only a small portion is in focus) or deep (a large portion is in focus).
In what scenarios would you use a 1-second exposure on a camera?
1) night photography: capturing cityscapes or star trails
2) light trails: photographing moving lights
3) water motion: creating silky water effects
When photographing landscapes such as mountains or deserts, are you more likely to shoot with a small or large aperture?
When photographing landscapes such as mountains or deserts, you are more likely to shoot with a small aperture (a higher f-stop number, like f/8, f/11, or f/16). A small aperture increases the depth of field, keeping more of the scene in sharp focus from the foreground to the background. This is ideal for capturing detailed, expansive outdoor landscape images.
In what scenarios would you shoot with your camera set to ISO 1600?
1) Low-Light Environments: ex concerts
2) Night Photography: ex shooting stars at night
3) Fast Motion: ex when you need to freeze fast-moving subjects and require a faster shutter speed
4) Indoor Events: ex: When photographing indoors with limited lighting
As photojournalists, when is important to obtain permission from the subject(s) you are photographing?
In general, photojournalists are legally allowed to photograph people in public spaces without explicit consent. However, ethical considerations often extend beyond legal requirements, especially in sensitive situations where images may impact subjects’ safety, dignity, or well-being. That said, you should obtain permission whenever possible as long as it does not jeopardize your own personal safety.