What does shutter speed refer to in photography?

Shutter speed refers specifically to the length of time that the camera's shutter remains open when taking a photograph. This duration directly influences how much light reaches the camera sensor and contributes to the exposure of the image. A faster shutter speed reduces the amount of light and can freeze motion, making it ideal for capturing fast-moving subjects. Conversely, a slower shutter speed allows more light to enter, which can create a brighter image or produce motion blur, which can be used creatively.

Understanding shutter speed is crucial for photographers because it affects not only exposure but also the overall aesthetics of an image. Other attributes, such as light quality, lens type, or camera resolution, are separate factors that influence photography but do not define what shutter speed is.