Final answer:
Increasing shutter speed is used to freeze action in photography, essential for capturing moving subjects without blur. Faster shutter speeds require more light and often a larger aperture, leading to a shallower depth of field with the main subject in focus.
Step-by-step explanation:
When you increase your shutter speed, you are employing a motion technique that is designed to freeze action in photography. A faster shutter speed means the camera shutter is open for a shorter period, allowing less light in but capturing a moment without the blur that can be caused by movement. This technique is essential when photographing rapid subjects, such as in sports photography or capturing wildlife.
A common shutter speed for most photography is 1/60th of a second. However, to freeze action, you would typically need a shutter speed of at least 1/250th of a second or more, depending on the speed of the moving subject. Faster shutter speeds are particularly useful in bright light settings, whereas slower shutter speeds, which allow more light in, are better suited for low light situations but can result in motion blur if the subject moves or the camera isn't held steady.
It's also important to note that while selecting a faster shutter speed, the aperture may need to be increased (which means a larger aperture opening) to compensate for the reduced time light is allowed to enter the camera. This increase in aperture can result in a shallower depth of field, making the subject in focus stand out against a blurred background.