June 2012 Photo Assignments

[connieg]

We are now doing this as a learning/improving our skills assignment ( No Prizes )

The exposer triangle is made up of three things, Aperture, Shutter Speed and ISO. They All work together in making a correctly exposed photo. Last month we worked on learning Aperture and many of you noticed the effect changing it had on shutter speed. So lets learn about Shutter Speed this month.

What is shutter speed (SS)? Shutter speed is the time the shutter is left open for light to come in and hit the sensor.
SS can range from 1/8000 of a second to over 20 seconds. B = Bulb mode; Bulb mode lets you keep the shutter open for as long as you HOLD the shutter down.
A slow shutter (1/60 or lower) equals more light in. It is good for low light situations. Note: A tripod or a sturdy surface will be needed when using a slow SS.
A fast shutter (1/125 or higher) equals less light in. It is good for stopping motion. The faster the object moves the faster you will need to set the SS.

When selecting a SS, you will need to ask yourself: Am I shooting a still or moving object? How creative do I want to be with the object?
1/125 or faster can stop everyday motion
1/500 or faster can stop most kids and can be used for sports and running water.
1/1000 or higher stops cars, bikes and runners.
On the creative side you may want to show movement. To do this you will want a slower SS.

Panning is a photo technique where the camera follows a moving object at a slow SS. (Usually 1/30 to 1/60) the subject will be in sharp focus and the background will be blurred. Note: If the subject is moving towards you or away from you the SS has less effect then if the subject is moving side to side.
Shooting water, want to get a silky look --- a very slow SS is needed, 1 to 2 seconds.

Experimenting with SS Exerise:
Set your camera to Shutter Priority mode (TV or S depending on your camera model. Point and shooter users try the running man setting) find a constant moving object (running water or cars make great subjects) Start off with a fast SS and work your way down to a slower one. Keep your zoom unchanged. Keep on eye on your aperature, is it getting everything you want in focus nice and sharp, remember you can always bump up the ISO to help get more light in.

Photo Assignment: Set your camera to manual. Set your ISO for your lighting conditions. Set your camera to take a fast and a slow SS photo, subject of your choice. Be creative; try shooting a fast SS on a slow moving object and a slow SS on a fast moving object.

You may post any photo you shot for the assignment or exerise in the Photography gallery under Photo Assignment Gallery.

[muriel]

Thank you for the new assignment. Wanted to thank you so much for last months. It really got me into the different lenses I have and understanding so much more about them in relation to AV.

[connieg]

Your welcome Muriel I'm looking forward to seeing everyones photos this month.
I was out the other night trying to shoot dragonflies in flight, LOL, needless to say I didn't get a prize winning photo, but it was fun to try.

[Ruth316]

It's been pretty busy here but this morning I found a few minutes to try to shutter speed exercise with mixed results. Here's some of the shots I got. The top two photos are the same--one edited and one straight from the camera. The bottom two were shot at different speeds.

I think I need more time to study what I need to get a better exposure straight from the camera.

[JobaScraps]

Panning sounds fun. gotta read my manual how to do it. I posted my first assignment for the month- how ss affects a moving object.

[connieg]

Joanne, Panning takes a little practice to get it, but once you do it's fun. Here's a good article on Panning http://digital-photography-school.co...oving-subjects

[connieg]

Ruth, if you need help, we are here for you

[bkoenck]

I know it is July, but I still plan to get this assignment done!

[connieg]

I'm still playing with SS too