Commercial Photography
Shutter Speed: The Photographic Golden Triangle Part 2
Arts, AV, Technology, and Communication
Lesson Plan
Performance Objective
 Upon completion of this lesson, the student will develop an understanding of the role that shutter
speed plays in getting the correct exposure in a photograph.
Specific Objective
 Students will be able to define shutter speed.
 Students will understand the role of shutter speed when adjusting camera settings.
 Students will be able to adjust the shutter speed on a camera to achieve specific results.
Terms
Shutter speed
Exposure
Motion blur
Tripod
Time
When taught as written, this lesson should take approximately 150 - 180 minutes to teach.
Preparation
TEKS Correlations:
This lesson, as published, correlates to the following TEKS. Any changes/alterations to the activities may result
in the elimination of any or all of the TEKS listed.
130.91. (c) Knowledge and Skills
(1) The student applies academic knowledge and skills in commercial photography. The student is expected to:
(A) apply English language arts knowledge and skills by demonstrating use of content, technical
concepts, and vocabulary; using correct grammar, punctuation, and terminology to write and edit
documents; and composing and editing copy for a variety of written documents such as brochures; and
(B) apply mathematics knowledge and skills by identifying whole numbers, decimals and fractions
applied to measurement, percentages, depth of field, aperture, resolution, and scale; demonstrating
knowledge of arithmetic operations; using conversion methods such as fractions to decimals and inches
to points; and applying measurement to solve a problem.
(3) The student understands and examines problem-solving methods. The student is expected to employ
critical-thinking and interpersonal skills independently and in teams to solve problems.
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(10) The student applies technical skills for efficiency. The student is expected to employ planning and timemanagement skills to complete work tasks.
(11) The student develops an increasing understanding of commercial photography. The student is expected to:
(L) produce a variety of photographs using current, industry-standard production processes; and
(M) evaluate photographs using principles of art, commercial photography standards, and criticalthinking skills.
Interdisciplinary Correlations:
English-English I
 110.31(b)(1). Reading/Vocabulary Development. Students understand new vocabulary and use it
when reading and writing.
 110.3(b)(11). Reading/Comprehension of informational text/procedural texts. Students understand
how to glean and use information in procedural texts and documents.
 110.53(b)(2)(B) employ precise language and technical vocabulary to communicate ideas clearly and
concisely
Occupational Correlation (O*Net – www.onetonline.org/):
Job Title: Photographer
O*Net Number: 27-4021.00
Reported Job Titles: Photographer, Advertising Photographer, Studio Photographer
Tasks: Take pictures of individuals, families, and small groups, either in studio or on location.
Adjust apertures, shutter speeds, and camera focus based on a combination of factors such as lighting, field
depth, subject motion, film type, and film speed.
Determine desired images and picture composition, selecting and adjusting subjects, equipment, and lighting
to achieve desired effects.
Estimate or measure light levels, distances, and numbers of exposures needed, using measuring devices and
formulas.
Soft Skills: Critical Thinking, Judgment and Decision Making, Reading Comprehension
Accommodations for Learning Differences
It is important that lessons accommodate the needs of every learner. These lessons may be modified to
accommodate your students with learning differences by referring to the files found on the Special
Populations page of this website.
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Preparation
 Review and familiarize yourself with the terminology, website links, and proper camera handling
techniques.
 Download or take example photographs that exemplify frozen and blurred motion through the use of
shutter speed.
 Have materials and websites ready to go prior to the start of the lesson.
References
Jacobson, R. E. (2000). The manual of photography: photographic and digital imaging. (9th ed.). Oxford: Focal
Press.
Instructional Aids
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Shutter Speed Lesson Plan: Photographic Golden Triangle Part 2
Shutter Speed Slide Presentation: Photographic Golden Triangle Part 2
Instructor Computer/Projection Unit
Teacher-selected websites related to this lesson
Multiple DSLR cameras outfitted with memory cards.
Tripods
Shutter Speed Quiz
Quiz answer Key
Frozen and Blurred Motion Grading Rubric
Computer Diagrams/Charts as needed
Industry-standard software
Introduction
Show students a series of different photographs that exemplify motion both frozen and blurred. Ask students
how that effect was achieved. Explain to students that shutter speed is one of the three different parts of the
photographic triangle.
Ask students the following questions to students and discuss their answers:
Why is it so hard to get a good, non-blurry shot at a football game at night?
What do you think is the longest possible shutter speed?
How fast do you think cameras can take photos?
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What do you think is the fastest possible shutter speed?
Outline
MI
Outline
Introduce lesson to students by doing
the following:
Instructor Notes
Note: Many students will have
their own cameras and the
Show students a variety of different
photographs that exemplify motion both
blurred and frozen.
methods for adjusting the shutter
speed on their cameras may be
Ask questions about the photos and
how the effects were achieved. Explain
to students that shutter speed is one of
the three different parts of the
photographic triangle and is used to
determine how “fast” any given
exposure is.
different. Make sure that if a
Then, go through the slide presentation
with students. Discuss the following:
I: General Overview
a. What is shutter speed?
b. Measuring shutter speed
II: Shutter Speed and Light
a. Longer shutter speeds lets light
in for a longer amount of time
b. Faster shutter speeds let light in
for a short amount of time
III: Shutter Speed and Motion
a. Longer shutter speeds will blur
motion
b. Faster shutter speeds will freeze
motion
IV: Aperture and the Human Eye
a. Correlations between aperture
and the human eyeball
V: Review
their shutter speed.
student has a camera different
than the one shown in class,
they also know how to adjust
Remind students that when
shooting images with longer
exposures (anything slower than
1/60th”) they will need to utilize a
tripod.
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Multiple Intelligences Guide
Existenti
alist
Interpers
onal
Intrapers
onal
Kinesthe
tic/
Bodily
Logical/
Mathema
tical
Musical/Rhyt
hmic
Natura
list
Verbal/Ling
uistic
Visual/Sp
atial
Application
Guided Practice
The teacher will show the PowerPoint and explain the general way to adjust the shutter speed and the reason
for shutter speed adjustments.
Teacher will model for students the proper camera handling techniques.
The instructor will demonstrate how to change the shutter speed on the DSLR in both shutter speed priority
(“TV”) and manual (“M”) modes.
Give small groups of students a DSLR to work with and have students adjust the shutter speed on the cameras
in various modes.
Encourage students to pay attention to the resulting changes in light and motion in their photos after
adjusting their aperture.
The teacher will observe students while working and reteach if needed.
Independent Practice
After going over the slide presentation, do the following:
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Divide students into groups of three or four.
Give each group a camera with a memory card (if students have their own memory cards, this is even
better).
Instruct students to take two photographs:
o One photograph should exhibit a motion that has been frozen using a fast shutter speed.
o One photograph should exhibit the same motion that has been blurred using a slower shutter
speed. For this one, students will most likely have to utilize a tripod.
Instruct students to set their DSLR to either manual mode (“M”) or shutter speed priority mode (“TV”).
Students should be given approximately 30 minutes to complete the task.
After the task is completed, students should upload their photos to a shared folder where the
instructor can view all of the photographs.
Ask students to explain how they went about completing the assignment.
During the discussion ask students if each team member was used effectively take a photo with a
shallow depth of field.
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Summary
Conduct a question and answer session with students about shutter speed-related questions.
Review talking points and key terms from slide presentation.
Ask students what they would adjust on their cameras if they needed to freeze motion.
Ask students how they would adjust their shutter speed if they wanted less light in a given exposure.
Ask students how they would adjust their shutter speed if they wanted more light in a given exposure.
Ask students how they would adjust their shutter speed if they wanted to freeze motion
Have students assess and critique their own work and other students’ work.
Evaluation
Informal Assessment
Any or all of the following may be used as informal assessments :
 Instructor Observation
 Question and answer
 Instructor will discuss and reteach where needed.
Formal Assessment
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Frozen and blurred motion photographs will be assessed using the rubric (attached).
Students may also be assessed through the shutter speed quiz and quiz answer key.
Enrichment
Extension
Students are also encouraged to take their own light painting or stair trail images using long exposures and
tripods.
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Frozen and Blurred Motion Grading Rubric
Criteria
Completeness
(10 pts)
Basic
(30 points)
Understanding
(20 pts)
Creativity
(30 points)
Design (10
pts)
Comments:
Exceptional
Above Average
Below Average
Unacceptable
9-10 points
5-8 points
1-4 points
0 points
Work is complete
and presents a
unified whole.
Work is
complete, but
lacks unity or
Gestalt.
Work is
incomplete.
No attempt was
made to produce
the document.
27-30 points
15-26 points
1-14 points
0 points
Photographs
have a focal
point and it is in
focus. Principles
of design are in
use in the
photograph.
Photographs
have a focal
point and are in
focus.
Slight issues
with focus or
subject.
Subject lacks a
focal point. Focus
issues.
17-20 points
The student used
shutter speed to
freeze and blur
motion in a
unique way.
Design principles
are also at use.
27-30 points
9 -16 points
1-8 points
0 points
Student has
achieved a both
blurred motion
and frozen
motion through
shutter speed.
Either blurred or
frozen motion is
missing.
Photo does not
exhibit frozen or
blurred motion
through shutter
speed.
15-26 points
1-14 points
0 points
Ideas are original
in thought and
exceptionally
creative.
Ideas are
somewhat
original and
creative.
Limited
evidence of
creativity and
originality in
thought.
No evidence of
creativity or
originality in
thought or
execution of
project.
9-10 points
5-8 points
1-4 points
0 points
Photos have
been arranged
as a diptych.
Principles of
design are
evident in the
design.
Assignment has
been turned in as
a diptych.
Fair project. Few
errors present.
Photos were
incorrectly placed
in design or not
turned in digitally.
TOTAL
POINTS:
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Points
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7.
Shutter Speed Quiz
Which of the following shutter speeds would be more likely to FREEZE motion?
a. 1/800
b. f/2.8
c. 4”
d. f/22
Which of the following shutter speeds would be more likely to BLUR motion?
a. 1/800
b. f/2.8
c. 4”
d. f/22
Which of the following shutter speeds would let in the MOST amount of light?
a. 1/60
b. 1/6
c. f/5.6
d. 6”
Which of the following shutter speeds would let in the LEAST amount of light?
a. 1/60
b. 1/6
c. f/5.6
d. 6”
Which of the is the slowest possible shutter speed that you should still hand hold your camera?
a. 1/600
b. 1/60
c. 1/6
d. 60”
Which of the following “auto-exposure” modes allows the user to control the shutter speed with the camera
automatically selecting the aperture and ISO values?
a. M
b. A or AV
c. TV
d. Portrait
If you adjust your shutter speed from 1/40 to 1/200, what should you do to your aperture in order to get a
similar exposure?
Write out in words how long the following shutter speeds would be:
8. 8”6
9. 60”
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10. 1/400
Shutter Speed Quiz Key
1. Which of the following shutter speeds would be more likely to FREEZE motion?
a. 1/800
b. f/2.8
c. 4”
d. f/22
2. Which of the following shutter speeds would be more likely to BLUR motion? a. 1/800
b. f/2.8
c. 4”
d. f/22
3. Which of the following shutter speeds would let in the MOST amount of light? a. 1/60
b. 1/6
c. f/5.6
d. 6”
4. Which of the following shutter speeds would let in the LEAST amount of light?
a. 1/60
b. 1/6
c. f/5.6
d. 6”
5. Which of the is the slowest possible shutter speed that you should still hand hold your camera? a. 1/600
b. 1/60
c. 1/6
d. 60”
6. Which of the following “auto-exposure” modes allows the user to control the shutter speed with the camera
automatically selecting the aperture and ISO values?
a. M
b. A or AV
c. TV
d. Portrait
7. If you adjust your shutter speed from 1/40 to 1/200, what should you do to your aperture in order to get a
similar exposure?
You would need to open up your aperture wider (go down to a smaller f-stop number)
Write out in words how long the following shutter speeds would be:
8. 8”6 – eight seconds and six tenths of a second
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9. 60” – sixty seconds
10. 1/400 - one four hundredth of a second.
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