How 1/100 second can change your image...

Here are two images I shot while covering an event, I was taking a break just as the sun was going down and the sky was outstanding.

These were taken just moments apart, with (essentially) the exact same camera settings.

The only difference between the two shots was shutter speed, in this shot the shutter speed was 1/60s. The blue sky is brighter and where the sky meets the land it is pretty bright (and void of color).


I wasn't unhappy with the shot but thought it could be better so I changed the shutter speed to 1/160s and (I think) it greatly improved the shot, the sky is a deeper blue and there is now more color on the horizon.

The differences aren't "dramatic", just better.

For a better comparison click on either image to view larger and in a new window.

It is often said that if you think you got the shot take a step closer and shoot it again. I would add "shoot it a little different" as well.


6 comments:

half blind said...

Great tip, Scott. Thanks!

Miguel Palaviccini said...

I like it! Great sky

Anonymous said...

I am just wondering about one thing. It seems pretty obvious, but have you had the same aperture settings on both pictures? You just let less light to come on matrix, right?

Scott said...

You are correct, all the settings were the same, the only difference was the shutter speed.

Thanks for stopping by.

Maryann [MF*****Fotos] said...

Very helpful! Thanks for the tip!

Chance said...

wow, that's a great tip. I'm a visual guy, so seeing the before/after really helps to drive this home. Thanks!