Shutter speed refresher

This week's challenge is shutter speed. The shutter speed affects how long the shutter stays open. The longer the shutter is open (low shutter number), the more light goes in. To open and close the shutter quickly and allow less light, use a quick speed (high number = quicker shutter). The shutter numbers are really fractions that is why the large numbers are the fast speeds and the low numbers keep it open much longer.
A fast shutter speed freezes motion instantly- a slower one can imply movement through slight blurring of the movement. Photographers use a slower shutter speed to create the smooth waterfall pictures as opposed to freezing drops of water instantly. There are alot of cool effects you can do by adjusting your shutter speed. Try some out. We can't wait to see what different 'interpretations' we get a chance to view this week! For more tutuorials and info, check out the following links with more shutter speed details.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shutter_speed
http://www.shutterbee.thinkrandom.com/#ShutterSpeed
http://www.trustedreviews.com/digital-cameras/review/2006/11/23/Digital-Camera-Tutorial-Shutter-speed/p3 (pages 3 and 4 show examples of the same pictures at different shutter speeds)
http://digital-photography-school.com/blog/shutter-speed/ (this one gives examples of different shutter speeds and examples of what you might use them for. It has great shutter speed photos. (The digital photography school also allows you to sign up for a weekly newsletter that includes lots of tutorials, info, photos, and anything that a photographer is interested in).
http://www.jeffgalbraithphotography.ca/shutter-speed-tutorial.html

These all have good info and good examples. You can do a search for more shutter speed tutorials if you are thirsty for more.
So, for this week, either slow it down (low shutter number) to show movement and allow more light, or speed it up (high shutter number) to freeze motion instantly.
(I am secretly hoping to see some slower speeds). Have fun lens friends!