101 Photo Basics | Shutter Speed

In photography, shutter speed or exposure time is the length of time a camera's shutter is open when taking a photograph. The amount of light that reaches the film or image sensor is proportional to the exposure time. 

This definition is pretty simple on its own. So lets see if I can make it even easier for you to understand. Shutter Speed is how long or short your shutter is open. 

Why does it need to be open at all? Because it lets light in, and depending on how much light is let in, will affect how exposed the image you are capturing is. 

A faster shutter will stop motion capturing the moment as is. A slower shutter will allow you to capture movement and create interesting effects with motion blur and light trails as you get more experience under your belt. 

Enjoy the in depth research and examples of shutter speed at Wiki. 

1/250 = fast shutter and less light getting in

1/10 = slow shutter and more light getting in

You generally wouldn't shoot with a 1/10 shutter in mid day, but at 1/250 or higher, now things are leaning in your favor. 

I encourage you to so play with shutter priority mode, every time you change the shutter speed, and take a picture, see what happens, what settings are working best together, as you get a firmer grip on each part of making an image, you will control all elements of making the image, and will be in full manual mode.