Exposure / Learn by doing
Shutter Priority explained simply
What is “Shutter Priority”?
An automatic mode where you choose shutter speed and the camera usually chooses aperture. It is often marked S or Tv.
- 01Choose time
- 02Camera chooses opening
- 03Check light limits
How do you use Shutter Priority practically?
A small exercise
Choose 1/500 second for a moving subject. Check whether the aperture display warns that there is not enough light.
- Make a starting version and keep it so you can compare fairly.
- Try the change in the exercise. Keep unrelated choices steady where the exercise allows.
- Compare the result at the size your viewer will actually see. Write down what changed and whether it helped.
How does Shutter Priority solve a problem?
It helps prioritise frozen action or intentional movement blur when light levels change.
What can go wrong?
The lens may run out of aperture range. Auto ISO can help on suitable cameras, but check its limits.
How do you turn the idea into a useful solution?
Start with the specific problem in your image or brief, try the exercise, and keep the version that meets that need. If the result is worse, return to the starting version and change one choice at a time.
Quick check: can you explain the three ideas in the diagram?
Choose time → Camera chooses opening → Check light limits. Explain how each relates to the exercise. Then compare the starting version with your result and choose the one that meets your brief.
Related video lesson
Exposure controls — Canon
This related lesson gives wider context for the topic. Camera menus and software versions may differ from yours.
Loading the player connects to YouTube. You can also watch the lesson on YouTube.Keep exploring
Try the idea in a studio shoot
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