Shutter speed is how long light travels to a digital camera’s sensor, where light is received by the camera.

It’s not unusual for a shutter speed to be less than a second, such as 1/200 of a second.

Fast-action photography benefits from a fast shutter speed. A faster shutter speed can be obtained by selecting a wider aperture, or lens opening.

A slow shutter speed is good for creating a blur effect, like when photography moving carousels or car headlights at night.

Setting a camera to Shutter Priority mode allows you to choose the shutter speed, and the camera will decide which use aperture to use.

Manual mode allows you to select both the aperture and shutter speed.

Using a neutral density lens filter makes the shutter speed slower. Often, photographers use this accessory to create a blurred effect for waterfalls.