Shutter speed is a fundamental element of photography that controls the amount of light entering the camera. A faster shutter speed (e.g., 1/500s) freezes motion, making it ideal for capturing fast-moving subjects. On the other hand, a slower shutter speed (e.g., 1/30s) creates motion blur and is useful for conveying a sense of movement. Understanding and adjusting the shutter speed allows photographers to control exposure and creatively capture different scenes.