Focus on Texas: Slow Shutter

Here’s what results when you approach photography with an open mind—and an open shutter

By Ashley Clary-Carpenter April 2014

Ralph Arvesen, Pedernales EC, kept his shutter open more than two hours facing the Blanco County sky to create the effect.

Deaf Smith EC’s Sheri Smith went to the Tri-State Fair in Amarillo during a photography course.

Jan Howard, Cooke County ECA, adjusted shutter speeds as nephew Clay McCuistion roped calves.

Medina EC’s Paul Garcia calls his photo of dancer Brittany Leos at Fiesta Noche del Rio in San Antonio ‘The Beauty of the Blur.’

The countryside whizzes by as Diane Daniels looks out during a train ride from Palestine to Rusk on the Texas State Railroad. Eddie Daniels, Farmers EC, says he took more than 20 photos to nail this shot.

Web Extra: The colorful remnants of a passing car, by Gretchen Kirchner, Guadalupe Valley EC

Web Extra: A close-up of an American goldfinch, background, and a chipping sparrow, foreground, by Sharon Kerr, Jasper-Newton EC

Web Extra: Gretchen Kirchner, Guadalupe Valley EC, celebrated the new year with sparklers, friends and her Canon EOS Rebel T3i at a 13-second shutter speed (compilation of three photos spells out the phrase).

Web Extra: Fireworks in Pittsburg, by Cheryl Stephenson, Wood County EC

Web Extra: An orchard oriole taking a bath last May, by Richard Todd, CoServ Electric

Web Extra: A stream of running water at McKinney Falls State Park, by Robert Phillips, Pedernales EC

Web Extra: Schumacher Crossing near Hunt, by Ricky King, Pedernales EC

Web Extra: A calf after a stressful day at the sale barn, by Shay Koetting, Fannin County EC

Web Extra: Self-portrait of Sara Holmes, Lamar County ECA, at her parents’ home in Paris

Leaving your camera in automatic mode? That’s no fun! Cameras are capable of great things—all it takes is a little knowledge of the settings. Find yourself uncertain behind the lens but want to hone your craft? A beginners’ photography course and practice could be just what you need to create stunning images like our favorites this month made using slow shutter speeds.