What distinguishes shutter speed from exposure time?

Shutter speed specifically refers to the length of time that the camera's shutter remains open to allow light to hit the camera's sensor or film. This is a critical aspect of capturing an image, as it directly influences how motion is captured—faster shutter speeds can freeze fast-moving subjects, while slower speeds can create motion blur.

On the other hand, exposure time can encompass more than just the shutter speed; it can also include the time that the camera remains open to light due to any additional factors, such as ambient light in particularly bright conditions or longer exposure techniques where the shutter is held open for more extended periods.

The nuance here is that while shutter speed is a component of the overall exposure time, exposure time can vary based on other factors beyond just the shutter's active duration. This understanding helps photographers make informed decisions based on lighting conditions and the desired visual effects in their images.