Shutter speed refers to the duration for which a camera’s shutter remains open, controlling the amount of light that reaches the film or digital sensor. Faster shutter speeds result in shorter exposures, effectively freezing motion, while slower speeds allow more light in and can create motion blur.
Shutter speed settings are typically measured in fractions of a second (e.g., 1/500, 1/60), with each successive setting halving or doubling the exposure time. Mastery of shutter speed allows photographers to control motion, exposure, and creative effects, making it a fundamental element of both technical and artistic photography.