Running child at 1/500 s — movement mostly frozen
The same run at a fast shutter speed.
Camera
Not specified
Lens
Not specified
Focal length
85 mm
Aperture
f/5.6
Shutter speed
1/500 s
ISO
200
Focus
Continuous AF
White balance
Daylight
Flash
Not used
Tripod
Not used
Why does this photo look like this?
At 1/500 s the shutter is open for such a short moment that the child barely moves during it. Less light gets in, so ISO was raised a little.
Look at this
Only a faint trace of movement is left in the feet. The face is sharp.
What would change with different settings
In dimmer light you would need a wider aperture or a higher ISO to keep this shutter speed.
Shutter speed comparison
A running child at four different shutter speeds.
Demo imageRunning child at 1/30 s — motion blur
Motion blur
1/30 s · f/5.6 · ISO 100
Demo imageRunning child at 1/125 s — less motion blur
Less motion blur
1/125 s · f/5.6 · ISO 100
Demo imageRunning child at 1/500 s — movement mostly frozen
Movement mostly frozen
1/500 s · f/5.6 · ISO 200
Demo imageRunning child at 1/1000 s — fast movement frozen
Fast movement frozen
1/1000 s · f/5.6 · ISO 400
What changed
Only the shutter speed changed: 1/30 s → 1/125 s → 1/500 s → 1/1000 s.
What stayed the same
Same child, same distance, same framing, same daylight. ISO was allowed to rise so every frame stays equally bright.
What happens if you change the settings?
1/500 s · f/5.6 · ISO 200
Always check your exposure and adjust settings according to the actual lighting and movement.
These are starting settings, not universal rules.
Always check your exposure and adjust settings according to the actual lighting and movement.