The function of the shutter in a camera is to:

The shutter in a camera plays a crucial role in regulating the duration for which light is allowed to enter the camera sensor or film. When the shutter is opened, it allows light to pass through for a specific period, measured in fractions of a second or longer, depending on the settings chosen by the photographer. This exposure time directly affects the brightness of the image—the longer the shutter is open, the more light hits the sensor, resulting in a brighter image, while a shorter exposure leads to a darker one.

This function is essential for achieving the desired exposure level, and it also influences the motion blur in an image. A fast shutter speed can freeze motion, while a slower shutter speed can create a motion blur effect, adding a sense of movement to the photograph. Therefore, regulating the exposure duration is fundamental to photography and is the primary function of the shutter mechanism.