The shutter speed is the rate at which the camera’s shutter opens and closes. A quick shutter speed results in less light being taken in by the camera, while a slow shutter speed allows for more light to be captured by the photographer.

Fast shutter speed such as 1/500th of a second or higher will stop and seize rapid motion – allowing for a clear picture of a subject that could appear blurry otherwise.

Indoor photography benefits from using a moderate shutter speed such as 1/60 or 1/125, as it can help capture sharp moments and motion blur without changing the lighting too much.

A slow shutter speed allows more light to reach the sensor by keeping the camera’s shutter open for a longer period of time. This is handy for capturing dimly lit scenes or achieving motion blur in subjects in motion. Nevertheless, using a slower shutter speed may lead to blurry photos in case the camera or subject is in motion while capturing, hence requiring stabilisation such as a tripod. 

Francesca Woodman

Francesca Woodman’s family would often visit her parents’ country farmhouse near Florence, Italy during the summers, where she captured many of her photographs. European culture and art greatly influenced her growth as an artist. Her work shows the impact of surrealist art, especially the photographs of Man Ray and Claude Cahun, through its themes and style. She honed her ideas and skills while studying at Rhode Island School of Design. Her significance as a trailblazer is substantial, especially during the 1970s when photography was considered less important than painting and sculpture. She paved the path for future American artists like Cindy Sherman and Nan Goldin, who also utilised photography to delve into topics surrounding identity. 

My Interpretation