What does a faster shutter speed mean for exposure time?

A faster shutter speed indicates a shorter exposure time. This means that the camera’s shutter opens and closes more quickly, allowing light to hit the sensor or film for a brief period. As a result, less light is captured compared to a slower shutter speed, which remains open longer and collects light over an extended duration.

When a photographer uses a faster shutter speed, it is often to freeze motion or to take photos in bright lighting conditions. In scenarios where quick movement is present, such as sports or wildlife photography, a shorter exposure time helps to avoid motion blur, resulting in sharper images.

Thus, the correct answer aligns with the fundamental principles of photography regarding how exposure time is directly linked to the speed of the shutter.