Lesson 3: Shutter Speed
Duration of Days: 4
Lesson Objective
Students will understand how to manipulate the shutter speed to control motion and light.
Students will be able to identify and manipulate the shutter speed settings on a camera to achieve a sharp image of a moving subject, frozen motion and lastly blur.
What happens if I double the shutter speed?
How did this effect the lighting/ exposure?
How would I lighten/darken the photo?
What setting would I change?
What number is faster? 1/60 or 1/100?
Exposure Triangle: The relationship between Shutter Speed, Aperture, and ISO.
Motion Blur: The streaking of moving objects caused by a slow shutter.
Freeze Frame: Using high speed to stop action instantly.
Long Exposure: Keeping the shutter open for seconds or minutes (e.g., light painting).
Camera Shake: Blur caused by hand movement at slow speeds.
VA:Cr2.3.HSI -Collaboratively develop a visual plan for an installation/artwork.
SBA/SAT Prep: Analyzing cause-and-effect relationships within technical texts.
Mathematical Logic: Calculating reciprocal values and understanding inverse proportions (e.g., as shutter speed duration doubles, light intake doubles).
Description: Students will manipulate shutter settings to capture the same moving subject in at least three ways: frozen, blurred, and panned.
Purpose: To master manual control over time of shutter opening and it's direct correlation to light.
DOK Level: Level 3 (Strategic Thinking) – Students must justify their setting choices based on lighting conditions and the speed of the subject.
Action Photography: Connecting to sports media or dance performances.
Social Justice/Journalism: Capturing high-energy events or protests where "freezing" a moment preserves history.
Low-Light Environments: Discussing how to take photos in dim community spaces or at night without a flash.
"Higher number means faster": Students often think 1/50 is faster than 1/500 because 50 is a smaller number.
Brightness only: Believing shutter speed only changes physical motion and forgetting it effects light.
Scaffolding: Provide a "Cheat Sheet" card with icons (running man = fast; blurry car = slow).
Extension: Advanced students can attempt "Light Painting" in a dark room using a tripod.
Support: Use "Shutter Priority" mode (Tv/S) for students struggling with the full Exposure Triangle.
photo portfolio: of at least three shutter speed exercises -one "frozen" action shot and one "intentional blur" shot with a written reflection on settings used.
DSLR/Mirrorless cameras or smartphones with manual apps (e.g., Lightroom Mobile).
Tripods or flat surfaces for long exposures.
Fans, water balloons, or moving vehicles.