Photography Tips (6)

SIMPLE PHOTOGRAPHY

Simple tips on the basics of photography by Trevor James @ www.trevorjamesphotography.com

Okay then, how many of you actually went out in the snow last week and took photos? Who's going to send some over so we can all view? I was out in the snow last week doing one of my photography courses (Beginners) and it was great fun. Cold, but nevertheless, FUN! It was, as always a small group but the things that we went through and discussed in detail regarding Aperture Priority, ISO, White Balance, lighting, taking images in the snow, and shutter Speed - which really brings us to this week's blog. 

SHUTTER SPEED

On your camera's mode dial there is an area that when turned to this point will allow you to vary the shutter priority speed by simply turning the main dial (usually located near the shutter release button). This variable mode will ensure the speed at which the shutter curtains within the camera are operated (that is, to open and shut) and capture the image you see through the viewfinder. Depending on what you want to achieve in your image will also depend greatly on what speed this dial is set at.

If you want to capture the movement of a subject, such as a waterfall or the turning wheels of a motor vehicle, or, on the other hand you want to freeze action at a sports event, then Shutter Priority would be the beneficial mode setting to use.  Where the aperture would determine the amount of light that reaches your camera’s sensor, the Shutter Priority would tell it how long it would enter for. So for movement shots in general you would be thinking of setting Shutter Priority for 1/60 sec or slower. For example, to capture a waterfall movement in an image you’d probably set the Shutter Priority to around 1/30 or 1/15 sec. As mentioned earlier in this book, by using this mode the Aperture would be automatically set by the camera.

For freezing action it would probably be around 1/250 sec or faster. I say these as approximate guides only as it really would depend on the action. For example to capture a motorcycle or fast car race speed of 1/1000 and upwards would be the settings, whereas to capture a person generally walking along a footpath a shutter speed setting of around 1/125 sec would be ample. 

I have included two images here to emphasise the movement and freeze of the same image. This image has been taken only to show you the difference between slow shutter speeds to capture movement and faster shutter speeds to freeze the action. As you can see there is a difference which is distinctly noticeable between the images.

Most cameras will have the following shutter speed settings on the dial:

B - Bulb allowing you to keep the shutter curtain open all the time you have you finger pressing the shutter release button down.

1/8000 - 30 Seconds - this is obtained by simply turning the main dial near the shutter release button in a clockwise/anit-clockwise way. not all cameras will offer this facility and not will have this variance. However, most will have a range for you to choose in order to gain the correct exposure time.

All you really need to do now is get your coat and wellingtons on and snap away practising your shutter speeds and getting to understand more of your camera.

Next week I want to discuss ISO settings with you in more detail - this should then bring us to a better understanding of the three elements of correct exposure.

Should anyone wish to purchase a simple guide book (Photography Tips & Techniques) you are more than welcome. You can purchase this short guide book by contacting me through my website. I will forward my bank details by return. 

The price is ONLY £4.00 and will be emailed to you on PDF format once payment has been received.

Till next week! - Have fun