Free Shutter Speed Charts (PDF)
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by svyatolyubeybozhenko
Shutter speed controls how motion shows up in a photo, from frozen action to silky water, and a quick reference takes the guesswork out of fast-changing light. These 29 charts lay out common shutter speeds alongside their effect on motion blur and exposure, with notes on pairing them with aperture and ISO. New photographers, students, and hobbyists can keep the relationships straight while they learn to shoot in manual.
The charts come as print-ready PDFs, so you can print one for your camera bag or pin a copy in the studio. Print on cardstock and laminate it, and it'll survive a few rainy shoots. There's nothing to install and nothing to buy. Download the chart that fits how you shoot and keep it handy until the settings become second nature.
When to use this Shutter Speed Chart template
- Beginner photographers learning manual mode need a laminated shutter speed chart in their camera bag to reference during sunset shoots when lighting changes rapidly and they’re adjusting exposure on the fly.
- Photography students in a class on motion blur should print a blank shutter speed chart template to fill out by hand, pairing shutter speeds with real-world examples they capture—like freezing a sprinting athlete or creating smooth river light trails.
- Hobbyist videographers experimenting with slow-motion clips can attach a printable shutter speed chart to their tripod to avoid over-exposing footage when shooting in low light at high frame rates.
- Travel photographers documenting both fast-moving subjects (e.g., festivals) and serene landscapes (e.g., waterfalls) should download a chart with aperture/ISO pairing notes to adapt quickly between scenes without relying on trial and error.
Which format should I download?
The PDF format is ideal for shutter speed charts because it preserves crisp, high-resolution visuals—essential for readability when referencing mid-shoot—and supports easy printing or saving on mobile devices. Choose a PDF with embedded notes (like aperture/ISO pairings) if you need quick, at-a-glance guidance during shoots. Opt for a sample template if you want pre-populated examples to study, or a blank template if you prefer customizing the layout with your own annotations like favorite settings or lighting scenarios.
How to use this Shutter Speed Chart template
Why do some shutter speed charts include aperture and ISO pairings?
Aperture and ISO pairings help photographers balance the entire exposure triangle in real time. For example, a chart might note that 1/250s at f/8 and ISO 100 is a safe starting point for daylight portraits, reducing the need to guess adjustments while composing shots. These pairings act as a cheat sheet for consistency across different lighting conditions.
Can I use a shutter speed chart to estimate motion blur in video?
Yes, but with adjustments for frame rate. A chart designed for 24fps video will differ slightly from one for 60fps, as shutter speed should ideally be double the frame rate to avoid motion blur. Look for charts labeled ‘video-friendly’ or calculate your own by dividing 1 by your frame rate, then doubling it (e.g., 1/120s for 60fps).
How should I adjust this chart for long-exposure night photography?
For night shots, focus on shutter speeds longer than 1/60s (e.g., 1s, 2s, or longer) and pair them with a tripod to avoid blur. Note that ISO should stay low (100–400) to minimize noise, and aperture wide open (e.g., f/2.8) to gather more light. Some charts include a ‘night mode’ section—if not, add your own test exposures to document star trails or light painting effects.
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