SHUTTER SPEED is a measurement of time that a camera's shutter is open—allowing light, usually after it has passed through a lens and through the aperture diaphragm, to strike a photosensitive surface, like film or a digital sensor 1

What is the role of light in a photograph? Lighting is a key element in making a photograph interesting. When setting up a shot, always consider the type of light available; see how the shadows fall on the subject. Pay attention to the direction of light as well.

Common Lighting Natural Lighting –The light you receive that currently exists in the area you are shooting the image. Artificial Lighting –The light you create in the area you are shooting the image, either by using a flash or spotlights.

Kinds of Lighting Light Direction Light should show off the form of your subject matter It should cast shadows that are neither too dark nor too light It should give visual dominance to the main element(s) of your composition.

Kinds of Lighting Diffused Light – lessens the contrast between lit and unlit areas of a scene, softening the edges of shadows and decreasing the strength of highlights throughout the image. Light is aimed straight at a subject is known as direct light. Light that is shone through something is diffused light.

Kinds of Lighting Backlighting – any lighting arrangement that puts the subject between the camera and the light source. The light source is behind the subject in the photograph. This can usually result in a silhouette unless there is a little light that can illuminate the front of the subject as well.

Kinds of Lighting Flashlights An excellent and versatile way to add light to a scene or subject is to use a flashlight or a keychain-style light. These sources are cheap, portable and a lot of fun to experiment with. The light produced by most flashlights is relatively weak; secure your camera to something steady so you do not end up with a blurry photo.

Kinds of Lighting On-Camera Flash It can be a useful – though limited – picture taking aid. Most experienced photographers rarely use their on-camera flash – color tends to have an unnatural look. Since the flash is located near the lens and is aimed straight at the subject, this tends to overexpose the main subject, cast harsh shadows, and eliminate the naturally occurring shadows.

Lighting Tips Lighting changes minute by minute –The spectrum of color available from the sun is at its richest just after sunrise and before sunset. –Another bonus of morning and evening light is the striking effect of the deep shadows being cast. We see light with our eyes and record light’s effects with our cameras.

Exposure Overexposure –when too much light has entered the camera. –this is a result from a slow shutter speed, in which the shutter was open for a long period of time, and therefore, washing out your image with light. Underexposure –when not enough light has entered the camera. –this is a result from a fast shutter speed, in which the shutter was not open long enough, and therefore, the image is too dark to understand, not allowing enough light to illuminate the subject.

Underexposed, shutter speed: 1600 th of a second

Underexposed, shutter speed: 300 th of a second

Underexposed, shutter speed: 60 th of a second

Overexposed, shutter speed: 1.3 seconds

Overexposed, shutter speed: 30 seconds

Color Contamination This occurs when a colored object within the scene reflects its color onto other items within the compositional space. It can occur when the photographer’s bright red shirt reflects back onto a neutral colored subject. Objects’ color will often spill color on their neighbor. To prevent this, pay close attention to the objects in the composition and the arrangements of their colors.

How do you create movement in a photograph? Movement creates visual interest in a photograph. The shutter speed of a camera controls motion. The more time the shutter is open, more motion will be visible and blurry. The quicker the shutter opens and closes, the less amount of blur. The motion looks as if it has been stopped. The background can be in motion or the subject itself can be in motion.

Blurred Vision Camera movement – results when the shutter speed is too slow to hold the camera steady. Subject movement – the result of using a fast shutter speed to stop the action or a slow shutter speed to allow a blurring effect.

Common Movements to Photograph Nature in motion Dancing Athletics Vehicles or Lights People walking, etc.

Sources Information acquired from my education in the Basic Photography class at NKU. Hirsch, R. (2007). Light and lens photography in the digital age. New York: Focal P.