Discovering the Power of Shutter Speed Priority in Photography
My Journey with Shutter Speed Priority
One of my biggest photography mistakes was ignoring the shutter speed priority. However, a tiny camera changed my perspective, and it has significantly influenced how I take pictures today. I was used to the Aperture Priority for a while specifically because I was used to prime lenses and because as a beginner I think we are kinda bling bah the beautiful bokeh we could get with professional cameras. Years later, I understood the reality of photography!
The Turning Point: Canon QL17 GIII
My interest in the history of photography and admiration for various photographers made me realize that my photographs lacked quality. This realization motivated me to practice more and to have a new motivation, and perspective that’s why I wanted to start film photography and I acquired the Canon QL 17 GIII, a camera with only shutter speed priority mode, which pushed me to change my habits and my approach to photography.
Once I bought the camera, I only had to practice (which is the real secret to how to make better pictures let’s be honest).
Why choose the Canon QL17 GIII?
Choosing the Canon QL 17 GIII when I moved to South Korea was a game-changer. The film photography market here is accessible, with plenty of film rolls and well-maintained cameras. The Canon QL 17 GIII is reliable, compact, and easy to use, making it perfect for a beginner in film photography. Although its shutter speed priority mode was unfamiliar, it forced me to adapt and significantly improved my photography skills.
It’s often known to be the Leica of the poor, for good reasons and if you have a low budget consider this one without any doubt.
Benefits of Shutter Speed Priority in Street Photography
Shutter speed priority has become essential in my street photography. Here are some reasons why it might benefit you:
1. Control of Motion: You can either freeze a moment to capture all the action or slow down the shutter speed to convey motion in your pictures.
2. Light Management: When you need more light, slowing down the shutter speed can help, as long as you can keep the camera steady.
3. Focus: you could think you want to manage more the aperture to be sure you get what you want to be focused properly but whatever the aperture you choose if you or the camera know how to focus properly, you don’t have to care about it whatever the mode you choose.
4. Enhanced Composition: It encourages better framing and composition instead of relying on wide apertures to blur out distracting backgrounds.
Practical Tips for Shutter Speed Priority
To effectively use shutter speed priority, you need to understand the relationship between speed and different situations. For instance:
- 1/15 of a second: I can shoot while standing still and still capture movement.
Make sure you can handle it, with a film camera I try to not go lower than 1/30s but with my Nikon Z6, you can easily go lower.
- 1/250 of a second: This is ideal for freezing people in motion, maintaining a narrow aperture for detailed shots. 1/125 is good too but you might start to have motion blur. Otherwise, if it’s sunny enough just go to 1/500s.
Experience will teach you how different speeds relate to various scenarios and emotions in your photos. In Korean streets, filled with colors and dynamic scenes, adjusting the shutter speed helps capture the essence of the environment.
Experimenting with Slow Shutter Speeds
I love experimenting with slow shutter speeds, especially in environments with vibrant and static elements. For example, capturing a rusty sign or a garage door with straight lines while using slow shutter speeds can create smooth, dynamic effects. With the Canon QL 17 GIII, achieving these effects requires precise focus and steady hands. Do you want a more cinematic look? Use 1/60s shutter speed to match what frame speed movies are shooting on! Or maybe catch some crazy dog, so you should consider using 1/1000s or more. You will quickly see how useful it is to choose shutter speed priority for any situation!
Adapting to Different Lighting Conditions
Street photography often involves fluctuating light conditions. In bright settings, increasing the shutter speed automatically adjusts the aperture, providing a shallow depth of field. Conversely, in darker areas, slowing down the shutter speed allows for more light and better motion capture.
Conclusion
Using shutter speed priority has profoundly impacted my photography, allowing me to adapt quickly to various situations. It offers creative constraints that can enhance your skills and creativity. While this technique may not suit every situation, it's worth exploring for street, action, and travel photography.
I hope you found this exploration of shutter speed priority insightful. If you have your methods or tips for photography, I'd love to hear them. Don't forget to subscribe for more photography insights and adventures. Special thanks to Thibaud for the excellent camera work during this shoot. See you next time! Ciao!
