Table of Contents
Introduction
This post walks you through the simple procedure for successful long exposure photography, step by step. I’ll also cover what makes a suitable location, like the pier in Koh Samet, Thailand, shown in the photograph above. Another colour version of this pier, shot from a different perspective, has a different feel to the one above. Let’s get started!
Basic Equipment
- A camera with a Bulb Mode (usually labelled B)
- Remote shutter release switch
- Tripod
- ND filters
If you don’t have this equipment, then you can get reasonable results with an iPhone. See Long Exposure Photography with an iPhone for details.
Step-by-Step Guide
The Procedure
- Auto focus picture and compose.
- Switch off autofocus to lock the focus.
- In Av mode set ISO 100 and required aperture.
- Take a test shot and note the exposure time.
- Switch to Manual mode and apply the exposure settings from the test shot.
- Use a phone app like NiSi Runner (or the table below) to estimate the ND filter needed to give the required exposure time (see the table and notes below).
- Attach the ND filter(s).
- If the required exposure time is less than 30s then in Manual mode:
- Increase the shutter time by same number of stops as the ND filter.
- Take the photo with remote switch.
- If the required exposure time is greater than 30s:
- Change to Bulb mode.
- Take the photo with a remote switch.
ND Filter Table
How to use the table
As an example suppose the test exposure time is 1/30s. If you require a 30 second exposure then in the first row go down from 1/30s to 30s. Finally go across to the left and you see will need an ND Filter Stop of 10.
Long Exposure Photography: Additional Notes
If the light is changing, check the test exposure time with a phone app like Lux. A time of around one minute is usually suitable, but down to 30 seconds or maybe up to 2-3 minutes might be needed. A degree of trial and error is usually required. You may find reference elsewhere to using noise reduction for very long times if this is offered by your camera; however, I’ve never found this to be necessary, and in any case, it doubles the length of time for taking the photograph.
Another suggestion you might find when using a camera on a tripod is to switch off image stabilisation if your camera or lens has it. Again I’ve never found this to be necessary. Finally, it is suggested to fit a view finder cover. I always forget to do this and I haven’t found an issue with the photographs I take.
What makes a suitable long exposure location?
Many locations are suitable for this type photography such as the concrete pier located on this Khlong San walk in Bangkok. Piers extending out into the sea are always good. The older the better! Finding them deserted can be a problem which usually entails a very early start or a very late one. Rocks and boulders also work well as do boats beached at low tide as long as there’s some water around them. If you live in or near a city with waterfronts or riverfronts, then a nighttime long exposure shoot can look spectacular.
Gallery
Each image below opens onto its own post, with the story behind the shot and the technique used to capture it.
Wrapping Up
If you have not tried this technique before, I hope you get as much enjoyment from it as I did. If nothing else you get plenty of time to relax while taking the photographs and also plenty of exercise hiking around coastlines looking for suitable subjects.
Long Exposure Photography FAQ
You need a camera with a Bulb Mode (usually labelled B), remote shutter release switch, tripod, and ND filters.
It is a setting on a camera which will keep the shutter open for as long as the shutter button is pressed. However, if you did press the shutter button by hand, it would shake the camera and spoil the photograph. For this reason, a remote shutter release has to be used with Bulb mode.
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