What Is Shutter Speed in Photography
and How Does It Work?
A Beginner’s Guide
Shutter speed is one of the most powerful tools in photography — it can make or break your shot. Changing up this camera setting doesn’t just affect the brightness of your image; it can add creative effects, capture movement, and transform the entire mood of a photo.
But what exactly is shutter speed, and how do you use it?
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about shutter speed, with image examples and expert tips from Product Specialist Lizzie James at Jessops.
Contents
What does changing shutter speed do?
What is the exposure triangle in photography?
What is shutter speed?
Lizzie explains: "Shutter speed – also known as exposure speed – is how quickly the camera's shutter closes when snapping a shot. Essentially, it's the amount of time your camera's sensor is exposed to light as you take a photo.
Think of it like opening and closing a curtain: the longer the curtain is open, the more light pours in. In photography, this 'curtain' is the camera's shutter, and how long it stays open directly impacts the amount of light captured.
Shutter speed is measured in seconds or fractions of a second (like 1/500 or 1/60). The faster the shutter speed, the less light; the slower the shutter speed, the more light."
For example, a shutter speed of 1/500 means the shutter is open for one five-hundredth of a second, capturing a quick moment with less light. Whereas, 1/60 is a slower shutter speed, keeping the shutter open for one-sixtieth of a second and allowing more light to flow through.
What does changing shutter speed do?
Adjusting your shutter speed gives you creative control over how motion appears in your photos. Here’s how it works:
Fast shutter speeds
Fast shutter speeds capture a quick moment, freezing action in place. Ideal for sports, wildlife, or anything moving fast, a quick shutter will keep your subject sharp and clear.
The above example, taken by one of our photographers here at Jessops, Pete Walker, uses a 1/2000-second shutter speed to freeze the thrilling moment of a racing car speeding around the track.
This high shutter speed ensures the car remains sharp and focused, revealing every detail of the design and decals. However, the background and wheels have slight motion blur, adding a sense of speed and excitement to the image.
This image was taken with 1/2000 shutter speed
Slow shutter speeds
Slow shutter speeds let in more light to the camera’s sensor and show movement blurred as a result. This is great for things like capturing light trails at night, softening the flow of a waterfall, or adding motion to a busy street scene.
In this example, taken with a 1/50 shutter speed, the background is intentionally blurred, giving a powerful sense of motion as the car races around the track. This effect emphasises the car’s speed and energy, making the viewer feel as though they’re witnessing the action firsthand.
This image was taken with 1/50 shutter speed
What is the exposure triangle in photography?
Lizzie explains, "The exposure triangle is the relationship between three key settings: shutter speed, aperture, and ISO. Together, these settings control the amount of light reaching your camera's sensor, affecting how bright or dark an image is, as well as the overall look of your photo."
Shutter speed is just one part of the triangle. However, each of the three components impacts the final image differently, and understanding how they work together is key to mastering exposure.
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Shutter speed – Controls how long light hits the sensor. A fast shutter freezes action but lets in less light, while a slower shutter blurs movement but allows more light.
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Aperture – Determines the size of the lens opening and, as a result, the depth of field (how much of the image is in focus from front to back). A wider aperture (small f-number like f/2.8) lets in more light and creates a shallow depth of field, while a narrower aperture (large f-number like f/16) reduces light but increases the depth of field.
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ISO – Sets the sensor's sensitivity to light. A low ISO (like 100) maintains image quality with minimal noise but requires more light, while a higher ISO (like 1600) brightens the image in low-light situations but may introduce graininess. To learn more, read our guide on what is ISO in photography.
How to adjust these three settings for correct exposure
When adjusting your shutter speed, it’s essential to balance it with aperture and ISO to achieve the right exposure for your scene and lighting conditions. Here’s a step-by-step approach:
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Start with shutter speed – Decide on your shutter speed based on your subject and the effect you want. Setting this first ensures you capture movement exactly as you intend.
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Adjust ISO for light sensitivity – Once you’ve set your shutter speed, adjust the ISO based on available light. Use a low ISO (like 100) in bright scenes to keep the image quality high and minimise noise. For low-light scenes, increase the ISO (like 800 or higher) to brighten the exposure, but remember that a higher ISO can introduce some graininess.
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Fine-tune aperture for balance – With shutter speed and ISO set, adjust your aperture to achieve the correct exposure. A wider aperture (small f-number like f/2.8) will let in more light, which is helpful in low-light situations or when using fast shutter speeds. A narrower aperture (large f-number like f/16) reduces light and is better in bright conditions or when you want a greater depth of field.
By starting with your shutter speed, you can control how motion is captured, then adjust ISO and aperture to keep your image well-exposed and sharp. This approach ensures you achieve your creative vision while maintaining the correct exposure for your scene.
Here are some situational examples of how to balance your settings:
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A bright day – If you’re shooting in daylight and want to capture fast action, you might set the shutter speed to 1/1000. To avoid overexposure, keep the ISO low (like 100) and choose a narrower aperture (f/11 or f/16).
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Low-light action – Indoors or at dusk, for a moving subject, you might start with a shutter speed of 1/250. To keep the exposure balanced, increase the ISO to 800 or higher and open the aperture wide (f/2.8) to let in more light.
Lizzie says: “Of course, every situation is unique and might require a bit of experimentation. Mastering the exposure triangle takes practice, but by trying different combinations, you’ll learn how to adjust each setting to capture the perfect shot, no matter the lighting conditions or movement in your scene.”
Shutter speed basics
The best equipment for working with shutter speed
To get the best results with shutter speed, a few essential tools can help you achieve stability, control, and flexibility:
Digital camera with manual controls
A camera that allows you to set shutter speed manually is ideal for learning and experimenting. Most DSLRs and mirrorless cameras offer full manual settings, giving you complete control over your exposure. If you’re in the market for a new one, read our beginner’s guide to choosing the best digital camera.
“The Fujifilm X-T30 II is ideal for experimenting with shutter speed. It offers an impressive range from ultra-fast 1/32,000 seconds with the electronic shutter mode for freezing quick action to a long 900 seconds for stunning low-light or long-exposure shots. This flexibility makes it perfect for exploring new creative possibilities with motion and light – all at an accessible price point of £799.”
Remote shutter release
This remote control tool lets you trigger the shutter without touching the camera, which is especially useful for long exposures. It reduces the chance of vibration that can blur your shot, keeping the image sharp and clear.
How to view shutter speed on your camera
When locating your shutter speed, look for a whole number. Although shutter speeds are typically measured in fractions of a second, only the denominator is usually displayed. For example, 1/50 of a second might simply appear as 50.
If the shutter speed is over a second, it’s typically shown with a quotation mark symbol – for example, 2” for a 2-second exposure.
However, some models always display the full fraction and how shutter speed is presented can vary, so it's worth checking your camera's settings or manual.
For most DSLRs and mirrorless cameras, you can locate the shutter speed setting in the top-left corner of the display screen. Some compact cameras that allow manual shutter speed adjustments may also display it here.
How to set shutter speed
Shutter speed can typically be adjusted with manual or shutter speed priority mode. Here’s how to set your shutter speed for each:
Manual (M) mode
"In manual mode, you have full control over your shutter speed, ISO and aperture," explains Lizzie. "It gives you the freedom to set each independently for complete creative control."
Here’s how to adjust the shutter speed in manual mode:
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Set to manual mode – Rotate the mode dial, usually located on the top of the camera, to M.
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Locate your shutter speed settings – In manual mode, most cameras allow you to adjust shutter speed using a command dial on the camera body (often near the shutter button).
With many modern cameras, especially mirrorless and touchscreen models, you can often tap directly on the shutter speed indicator displayed on the LCD screen. This will usually open a slider or control panel specifically for adjusting the shutter speed.
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Watch the display or viewfinder – If you’re using the command dial, you’ll see the shutter speed change on the camera’s LCD screen or in the viewfinder as you turn it.
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Set the aperture – Since you control both settings in manual mode, use a dial (often near the front or back of the camera) to adjust the aperture setting. On some models, pressing and holding a button (marked with an ‘A’ or ‘Aperture’) while turning the dial will change it.
If the aperture is adjusted on your camera screen, tap on the aperture value shown to open a slider or menu for adjustment. Swipe or use arrows to select the f-number you need.
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Set the ISO – To select your ISO, look for a dedicated ISO button. Pressing this button typically activates ISO control, allowing you to turn a dial to select the desired level. On some cameras, it’s accessible through a quick menu, where you can use dials or on-screen options to adjust it.
Shutter priority (S or Tv) mode
Lizzie says: "Shutter priority mode lets you choose the shutter speed, while the camera automatically adjusts the other settings for the best exposure. It's perfect for capturing motion, like freezing action or adding blur, without having to worry about the other settings."
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Set to shutter priority mode – Rotate the mode dial to S (or Tv, depending on your camera brand) to activate shutter priority mode.
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Set the shutter speed – With the camera now in shutter priority, adjust the shutter speed using the command dial or display screen.
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Camera adjusts aperture and ISO automatically – Once you’ve set your desired shutter speed, the camera will automatically change the aperture and ISO. This ensures your image is properly exposed, allowing you to focus on shutter speed without needing to make additional adjustments.
5 tips for using shutter speed creatively
1. Experiment with light trails at night
"Creating light trails is a fun way to add some magic to your night shots,” says Lizzie.
"Slow shutter speeds around 1/60 to 1/6 are good for capturing subjects like the headlights of a single car moving along a quiet street – just enough to show a hint of movement without a full blur. While longer speeds like 5 to 30 seconds will provide more dramatic, continuous light trails."
"Once you've set your shutter speed – and adjusted ISO and aperture if you're not using shutter priority mode – keep your camera steady on a tripod and watch as car lights or city lights turn into glowing streaks.
"This effect works brilliantly at Christmas markets or a fair to capture a spinning Ferris wheel or decorated stalls with twinkling lights."
2. Showcase movement with panning
“Panning is a technique that lets you keep a moving subject sharp while blurring the background to create a real sense of speed and movement,” explains Lizzie. “It’s perfect for capturing the energy of runners, cyclists, or cars.”
Here’s how to do it:
Set your shutter speed – Start with a relatively slow shutter speed, usually between 1/30 and 1/80. This speed is slow enough to blur the background while keeping the subject in focus if you follow their movement smoothly.
Use a tripod – A tripod can help you keep your panning motion smooth and level. By mounting your camera on a tripod with a rotating head, you can move it horizontally without accidental vertical movements.
Follow your subject – As your subject moves across your frame, follow them with your camera. Try to match their speed, moving smoothly from left to right (or right to left), and keep your subject centred in the frame.
Take the shot – As you track your subject, press the shutter button while continuing to move your camera. Keep following them even after taking the shot to ensure a smooth motion and reduce any jerking.
Lizzie says: “Panning takes practice, so don’t worry if your first shots are too blurry! With time, you’ll get a feel for the right speed and timing to capture a sharp subject against a motion-blurred background.”
This image, taken by Pete Walker at Jessops, uses a 1/30 shutter speed, and you can see the effect of panning in action. The runner is relatively sharp, showing clear details in his form and clothing, while the background is beautifully blurred. This creates a strong sense of motion, as if he’s speeding across the track.
This image was taken with 1/30 shutter speed
3. Practise your skills with pet photography
"Animals, especially pets, are fantastic subjects for learning to control shutter speed," says Lizzie. "Practising with a running dog or a bird in flight helps you get a feel for different settings, and it's a fun way to capture some incredible moments along the way."
"For these subjects, you can experiment with fast shutter speeds to freeze motion, capturing each leap, twist, and bound with perfect clarity."
To learn more, read our guide on how to take great photos of your pets.
Or, if you're up for a day out, try taking your digital camera to a zoo or farm. You might even get the chance to photograph birds in flight, like owls, which are often showcased at wildlife demonstrations.
In this image example, captured with a fast shutter speed of 1/4000, you can see the power of freezing motion in action. The owl is perfectly sharp, with every feather captured in crisp detail as it flies directly toward the camera. This level of clarity highlights its focused gaze and intense expression, bringing a sense of drama to the shot.
Image captured using 1/4000 shutter speed
4. Use a slow shutter speed to add subtle movement
"Your subject doesn't always have to be fast-moving to use a slow shutter speed," says Lizzie.
"Sometimes, slowing things down for gentler elements like the sea or drifting clouds can add a beautiful sense of movement and depth without being too dramatic. You might not even notice it at first, but it adds just the right touch of atmosphere, making your image feel a little more alive."
In this image, taken with a 15-second shutter speed, the long exposure softens the sea and clouds slightly, creating a calm, almost dreamlike feel. This subtle blur adds just enough movement to the landscape without taking attention away from the main subject of the lighthouse.
Image taken with a 15-second shutter speed
5. Experiment with shutter speed to develop your photography style
"Simply experimenting with different shutter speeds is a great way to develop your own style," explains Lizzie. "When I first got into photography, trying out various speeds really helped me understand the impact they have on a photo's mood and energy. A fast shutter can freeze a moment with incredible sharpness, while a slower speed can add a beautiful sense of motion and atmosphere."
"Play around and see what resonates with you – you might surprise yourself with what you end up loving! Photography is all about finding what works for you, so don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and make it your own."
Improve your photography skills with Jessops
Now that you know how shutter speed works, it's time to start practising! Whether you're capturing fast action, creating dreamy motion blur, or experimenting with light trails, there's no substitute for hands-on experience.
At Jessops, we have all the equipment you need to get started, including digital cameras, tripods, lighting, accessories, and more.
For more advice and inspiration, visit our blog. If you have any questions or are unsure which product is right for you, contact us today.
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