Understanding Shutter Speed: Creative Action and Low-Light Photography Beyond 1/125 Second Paperback – April 1, 2008

When I ordered this book my first thought before receiving it was that I didn't think I would learn too much but I have always loved his photography.Boy was I wrong. After reading the book I realized how many of my photos could have been better if I paid more attention to shutter speed. I had become so used to all of my photos stopping the action, that I realized if I had slowed the shutter and let some of the background blur, it would have actually improved the photo.shutter speed was something I was taking for granted and this book helped remind me of a creative element I had forgotten.Like all of Bryan Peterson's books, this book is easy to read and all concepts are explained in a clear and concise manner. another plus is that many photos have two different versions to show what a change in shutter speed can do.and if nothing else, this book is worth it for the fantastic photos within it's pages. He truly has a wonderful eye.

I have been doing photography for a long time as a hobby and am alway looking to expand my knowlege an creativity in photography. I purchased my first Bryan Peterson book about a year ago and have since been hooked. This book is no exception, This book has done a great job in helping me understand shutter speed and creativity and to help me take better pictures and open my eyes to new exciting things to try. Bryan's book is very well written and easy to understand with the use of many pictures taken by him and his students. I also like the fact that this book is not huge and overloaded with technical mumbo jumbo. I look forward to Bryan's next book.

...and I mean a lot. He's quick to give helpful hints and tips with clear vivid analogies...but don't go and buy the book just yet. Those of you who are professionals or experienced amateurs will find this book lacking in very advanced techniques. It explains middle range basics (It won't tell you how to turn on the camera) on shutter speed for photography. Don't be surprised if at times you find the author almost appear to be bragging about his life and supposed success. However, it is still a good book for people that have little to no experience in taking their camera out of auto mode and getting better exposures. It's not the best but definitely really good. I think instead of writing separate books the author could have composed the whole series into one book because reading all his books you will often find yourself re-reading information from book to book. Instead of buying this buy his Understanding Exposure and pick this up from the library.

I read Bryan's first book, "Understanding Exposure" and thought it was one of the best photography books writtens. Therefore, when he came out with this one I didn't buy it because I didn't want to be disappointed with rehashes of photos I already saw or he just added a few points to concepts already covered in other books.I was on a photo safari when someone told me how much they enjoyed the book. Therefore, I decided to buy it. I was pleasantly surprised to see how he took something as basic as "shutter speed" and successfully held my interest for the entire book.Bryan categorizes the book based on the shutter speed. These range from the speeds that freeze action (1/1000, 1/500, 1/250), to the slower ones that emphasize motion.The books value is in the use of the slower speeds. There is not much to learn about taking images at the faster speeds that freeze action.I give credit because he didn't just provide a bunch of pictures of the cliche slow shutter images (i.e., waterfalls and people walking). Instead, he shows you how to allow the moving subjects to paint the picture. My favorites examples are the boats in the water and the fields of grass. In these examples, he shows the typical image taken a faster speeds. Next, he shows how slowing the shutter speed allows the objects to move slightly thus producing very interesting photos.I've taken photos of flowers in the past. I used to get upset because I couldn't use a fast enough shutter speed when I increased my aperture for greater depth of focus without increasing my ISO. In retrospect, I could've used a slower shutter speed to emphasize the motion and create more colorful images. This only works if one dares to try something different.In conclusion, Bryan does an excellent job of showing you how to creatively use what you already know.

Well now I understand why he is such a highly respected author. Easy to read. Clear, concise, tremendous photos. Photos support his point. His love of the art explodes off of the page. Book is organized well. I already have purchased exposure book, and have not had the time to read it yet. In fact I still have to go through this book several more time. Works from the end of being a coffee table book because of the beautiful photos, and from the end of being a text book, or a manual to take with one if one was not concerned about damaging it. Tremendous.

This book is a winner! I have read all of Bryan Peterson's great photo books and this is his best work. In my opinion,this is must reading for the intermediate/advanced level of photographer. Bryan's books are a strong propellant towards innovative possibilities at home and elsewhere. Bryan is a photographer par excellence. I've had several classes with him and traveled with his destination workshops. You can improve your skills at many levels with his materials and insights! His books are not to be missed!Wayne T. Fisk