Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) Practice Exam

When hand-holding a camera, what should the shutter speed be relative to the focal length of the lens?

1. Less than the focal length

2. Equal to the focal length

3. Greater than or equal to the focal length

4. Any speed works

The correct answer is: Greater than or equal to the focal length

When hand-holding a camera, the shutter speed should be greater than or equal to the focal length of the lens to minimize the effects of camera shake and ensure image sharpness. This principle is founded on the relationship between the length of the lens and the potential for motion blur caused by slight movements of the photographer's hands. For example, if using a 50mm lens, the shutter speed should be at least 1/50th of a second or faster. Using a shutter speed slower than the focal length increases the risk of blurring due to involuntary hand movements, which can be particularly problematic in low-light situations where slower shutter speeds might otherwise be necessary for proper exposure. While certain advanced techniques such as image stabilization in lenses or cameras can allow for somewhat slower shutter speeds without introducing noticeable blur, the general guideline remains that shooting at a shutter speed that is greater than or equal to the lens's focal length is a reliable method to achieve sharp, well-defined images when hand-holding the camera.