I have always liked the visual effects of long exposures; the simplicity and removal of visual distractions is really appealing to me. These effects are achievable with out filters in low light circumstances, however more difficult to achieve during sunlight hours. So, a few years ago when my partner bought a 10-stop ND filter I was eager to try it out.
After a bit of reading and some experimentation, I had some success but I was keen to learn more, I was really confused by the mathematical calculations involved and wanted to be more deliberate in my approach and understand the impact of the combination of settings i.e. aperture, shutter speed and ISO. I’ve never been great at maths – so this was real brain bender for me! To help me along, I signed up for a long exposure workshop with New Zealand Photography Workshops and have since then also invested in the PhotoPills app which helps with planning shots and calculating long exposures.
Here are some of my top tips:
- Set your aperture to the 'sweet spot' f8-f11
- Set your camera to its native ISO (for most cameras this is 100 ISO)
- Add any GND filters you might be using.
- Take a test shot to get the correct exposure, before adding ND filters -especially the darker ones +6 and +10 as you can't see through these when they are in position.
- Check the histogram for correct exposure.
- If using GND filters and ND filters always place your ND filters closest to the lens.
- Cover the viewfinder for the long exposure to prevent light leakage.
- Adjust the shutter speed for the filter you are using (e.g. 10 stops) and find the equivalent exposure. This is where I find the Photopills app super helpful. It removes the guesswork and doesn't stretch my brain. I already have enough to think about and keep an eye on when I am shooting.
- Take the shot, revise and adjust as appropriate.
Other things to keep in mind:
- Always use a tripod
- Use a cable release or similar device for exposures longer than 30secs. Most cameras will not take exposures longer than this.
- Long exposure photography is all about capturing movement, whether that is you moving or your subject moving.
- Think about your composition. What shapes, lines and tones are in the frame? Are they moving or stationary? Consider how these will change (or not!) during a longer exposure.
- Be patient! Long exposures take longer - obviously, but this allows you to watch, observe and be present in the landscape and who doesn't love that!
There is a lot to remember, so all the more reason to get out there and see what you can create and practice. A year long photography challenge with a photography friend is a good way to keep motivated, experiment, and most importantly, have fun!
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