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How does adjusting shutter speed affect motion blur when photographing fast-moving subjects?

Asked on Oct 15, 2025

Answer

Adjusting shutter speed is crucial when photographing fast-moving subjects as it directly influences the amount of motion blur captured in an image. A faster shutter speed will freeze motion, reducing blur, while a slower shutter speed will increase blur, capturing the motion path of the subject.

Example Concept: Shutter speed determines the duration the camera's sensor is exposed to light. For fast-moving subjects, a shutter speed of 1/500s or faster is typically used to freeze action and minimize motion blur. Conversely, slower shutter speeds, such as 1/30s, will intentionally introduce motion blur, which can be used creatively to convey movement.

Additional Comment:

Use a tripod or image stabilization when using slower shutter speeds to avoid camera shake.
Consider increasing ISO or using a wider aperture to maintain exposure with faster shutter speeds.
Experiment with panning techniques to combine sharp subjects with blurred backgrounds at moderate shutter speeds.

✅ Answered with Photography best practices.

Ask any question about Photography here... and get an instant response.

How does adjusting shutter speed affect motion blur when photographing fast-moving subjects?

Asked on Oct 15, 2025

Answer

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