Using shutter speed as a compositional tool

The more traditional methods of composition in photography and other visual mediums include using color, lines, patterns, dept of field, placement and others. See Darren Rowse's article 5 Elements of Composition in Photography! for more. These methods of composition are not necessarily exclusive and may be combined to produce an effective piece of work!

One less common method of producing a composition involves using slow shutter speeds as a a compositional tool. Effective use of slow shutter speeds can be used to create elements or objects and these elements can be used like any other to structure or compose the composition. Also slow shutter speeds can also be used to create lines, patterns or forms which can be very effective in drawing in and leading a viewers eye. Other uses of slow shutter speeds would be to create color or as a mask to hide or eliminate certain elements in a scene. This can all be done in camera! One of the fun things about this is that we can use this technique to create elements or other compositional features that we can't see with our eyes. We may not be able to see them but fortunately by using our imagination we can envisage them and use our cameras to compose a symphony of light!

Ladies Lookout
One example of this is this sunset image I took of my hometown. Here we have the streams of lights from two cars creating dynamic lines drawing the viewers throughout the frame. The lines created by the car lights create a very soothing and colorful pattern and help create a balanced composition.



Exif: Canon 50D/18mm, 30secs/f22/iso100 tripod, shutter release cable, mirror lockup.


Ocean Speak
Shutter speed can also be used to create mood and atmosphere. Rarely will you see the mighty north atlantic ocean look so serene.



Exif: Canon 50D/18mm, 71secs/f22/iso100 tripod, shutter release cable, mirror lockup.


The Stage
Shutter speed can also be used to create a surreal effect.



Exif: Canon 50D/20mm, 30secs/f22/iso100 tripod, shutter release cable, mirror lockup.


Ride the Light
Shutter speed can also be used to create a sense of drama as in the case of this passing bus in downtown Vancouver.



Exif: Canon 50D/18mm, 3.2secs/f8/iso100 tripod, shutter release cable, mirror lockup.

This is something I enjoy doing and throwing in the surprises that sometimes pop up it is a lot of fun!

Please share your comment and lets trade experiences and ideas!
Thanks for stopping by!
Brian Carey

An Epiphany of Sorts

My move into digital photography has resulted in a whirlwind of creative ideas and pursuits. Given’ my skill set and photographic gumption I have come to realize that the possibilities for learning and creativity are endless and perhaps most importantly more accessible than ever. Additionally I recently had the good fortune of having some of my preconceived ideas and methods of practice turned completely upside down. Even though I remain happy with the images I created in the past I am really thankful for this! Looking at things differently can only help me be more creative as well as offer additional opportunities.

So what about the epiphany? Well until a few weeks ago I considered my camera to be a tool, a piece of equipment. But after being bitten by the shutterbug for the second time in my life I’ve come to realize that my camera is not just a tool but an instrument. This reflection may be due to my maturity or experience, no matter it is another insight and a welcome one. And I think this insight will help me connect more closely to my photography and my world!

With this instrument I can present this magical world around me in a resonance of my choice. I can capture light, the way I want it to be seen. I can freeze time or stretch it. I can accentuate color. I can enhance or manipulate light. I can capture joy, laughter or sorrow. I can capture life as well as record history. And this is just a beginning!

I can capture the visual rhythm of a seagull seemingly floating in the air, catching the updrafts. Floating in the sky without any noticeable effort, beautiful. But the tempo or atmosphere of the image changes when a bald eagle comes into the picture, catching a few updrafts of his own barely a few meters below.

So the connection between me and my photography has taken on new meaning and I am looking forward to it!