Shutter Priority Mode USA - Photography Terms & Glossary

Glossary Of Photography Terms [1]

Shutter Priority Mode Shutter priority mode, often denoted as "Tv" (time value) on camera mode dials, is a semi-automatic exposure mode found in many digital cameras. In shutter priority mode, the photographer manually selects the desired shutter speed while the camera automatically adjusts the aperture to achieve the proper exposure based on the metered light levels. Shutter priority mode gives photographers control over motion blur and shutter speed effects in their images, making it particularly useful for capturing fast-moving subjects or controlling the appearance of motion in various photographic situations.

By adjusting the shutter speed, photographers can freeze action with fast shutter speeds or introduce motion blur with slower shutter speeds, depending on their creative vision and the requirements of the scene. Shutter priority mode provides flexibility and creative control while simplifying exposure adjustments, making it a popular choice for photographers seeking to balance technical precision with artistic expression in their work.