Using Shutter Speed to Capture Beautiful Model Pictures
While I was in the blue mountains, I wanted to experiment with shutter-speed while shooting a model. What is the slowest shutter speed I can use and still capture beautiful images?
Highlights of this video:
0:20 – How to use Shutter Speed
0:26 – Shutter Speed settings
0:49 1/1000th sec (fast shutter speed)
0:54 1/500th sec
1:06 1/125th sec
1:16 1/30th sec
1:42 1/2 sec (very slow shutter speed)
The Use of Shutter Speed in Model Shoots
There are a lot of things you need to consider in photography. One big factor is the type of shoot you are doing. Are you taking pictures of a basketball game (action photography) or a fashion shoot with models? What are the best settings to use to capture the mood and feeling of the scene in front of you?
How should I best capture these models in the blue mountains?
In this scene, we have our model Laura posing under a freezing cold water fall. Remember that the goal is to keep her from freezing, we had to do this shoot as fast as we can. I also wanted to see how shutter speed would affect the images, with moving water and a moving model. I asked Laura to move, flick her hair and pose while I shoot away at a different shutter speed for each shot.
Here are some tips from this shoot:
- Make sure everyone is safe (slippery rocks)
- Use shutter speed to capture water movement
- Find the perfect shutter-speed for model & water
- Experiment and have fun!
Faster Shutter-Speeds
Most of these previous images are using a faster shutter speed.
Starting at 1/1000th of a second, then 1/250th of a second and at 1/30th of a second we start to see movement (blurring) from my model.
Click on each image to see it LARGE and check-out how shutter speed is affecting the water movement as well as the model movement.
Slower Shutter-Speeds
These last 3 images I’m using a much slower shutter-speed.
Starting at 1/15th of a second, then going to 1/8th of a second and finally half a second shutter-speed. What do you notice?
Click on each image to see it LARGE and check-out how shutter speed is affecting the water movement as well as the model movement.
Which of these photos captures this scene the best?
Which one do you like the most? Please leave me comments below – I always answer them.
The Ultimate Guide to Shutter Speed in Photography
Cheers, Brent
Having spent many hours, days and weeks in the blue mountains, I can just imagine how the model felt and, I can guarantee that the mountains wouldn’t have been the only thing that was blue. That water would have been COLDddddddddd!
For me, the shots from 1 / 60th sec to 1 /125th work best. A bit of water blur, but still fast enough not to blur the model to any great extent.
Here’s a quick tip for anyone taking photo’s in any National park area in New South Wales. If the shots are to be used for commercial purposes they have the right, to ask you to obtain a permit. Normally they wont bother you as it is mainly for those who are involved in advertising etc. But, all you need is one, overzealous bureaucrat to spoil your day. I have been stopped once and given the third degree by a guy who, I think, got a knock back the previous night 😉
Thanks Les. Yeah got to watch those permits. For me it’s not a big deal – I go to the less trafficked areas to shoot so the probability that a park ranger will arrive is slim. B
Hi Brent,
My pick would be the 1/30th.
The light gives a body form and with the movement limited to the arms.
Focused on the face, she also looks to be enjoying the shower as if it is warm rather than cold!
The waterfall is not a complete blur.
Cheers
Rob
Yeah – I’m a big fan of the slower shutter-speed images. Brent