Creative Shutter Speed: Master the Art of Motion Capture

Chapter 2. Understanding Shutter Speed and Exposure

If "take control of your life" is the mantra for self-help gurus around the world, let's add a twist to it and say "take control of your shutter speed" should be the mantra for self-help, do-it-yourself photographers.

Let's face it, taking control of your life can be difficult and complex; taking control of your shutter speed isn't. This chapter will prove that In about the time it takes you to call and get through to a live person at your health care provider, you can read this chapter and be well down the path of taking control of your shutter speed.

I'll introduce you to the important camera controls and settings that interact and influence exposure and shutter speed and ultimately affect the appearance of your photos. You probably are already familiar with many of the controls essential for basic picture taking, such as exposure and focus modes, aperture settings, the exposure compensation control, and ISO settings. As well, you likely understand the fundamentals of not only what a good exposure looks like but its value. In both areas, you'll learn in more detail how to coordinate these controls, settings, and concepts and use them to achieve the shutter speeds you need to make expressive, well-exposed pictures.

To gain control of your life you must deal with bosses, spouses, creditors, aging parents, your health and finances, and a variety of bureaucrats and customer service reps whose primary goal is to put you on hold until ...