Long exposure photography opens up a world of creativity, allowing you to capture unique and breathtaking landscapes. While it can take some practice to master, these five tips will help you improve your skills and get amazing results.
1. Prevent Light Leaks by Covering Your Viewfinder
A common issue in long exposure shots is light leak, where stray light enters the camera body through the viewfinder, causing unwanted glare. This can easily ruin your shot. To prevent this, it’s crucial to cover your viewfinder before taking a long exposure photograph.
Many DSLRs come with a built-in plastic cover for this purpose. If your camera doesn’t have one, you can use simple alternatives like:
- Electrical tape
- A baseball cap
- A built-in viewfinder shade (if your camera has one, like my Nikon D500)
By covering the viewfinder, you’ll ensure that no extra light spoils your shot.
2. Use a Remote Trigger to Avoid Camera Shake
Keeping your camera still is essential for long exposure photography. Even the slightest movement can blur the image. Some photographers rely on the camera’s self-timer, but a remote trigger is the most reliable solution.
A remote release allows you to trigger the shutter without physically touching the camera, thus reducing the risk of camera shake. Some of my go-to remote triggers include:
- Pixel Remote Commander Shutter Release Cable
- Pulse Bluetooth Camera Remote
- Spark Camera Remote
These devices give you more control and ensure your shots are crisp and steady.
3. Download a Mobile App to Perfect Your Exposure Time
Calculating the ideal shutter speed for a long exposure shot can be tricky, especially when you’re using neutral density (ND) filters. A handy mobile app, like Long Exposure Calculator, can take the guesswork out of the equation.
With this app, you can input your chosen ND filter and your base shutter speed, and it will calculate the exposure time for you. Plus, it even provides a built-in timer to help you know exactly when to stop your exposure. This is incredibly useful for exposures longer than one minute.
4. Stack ND Filters for Longer Exposure Times
One ND filter might not always be enough, especially if you’re shooting in bright light conditions. If you’re struggling to get the slow shutter speed you need, try stacking multiple ND filters.
The best way to do this is by using an ND filter kit with flat panel filters that slide into a holder mounted to the front of your lens. This system is faster and more efficient than constantly screwing filters on and off.
I personally use the Lee Filters Ultimate Landscape Kit for versatility and ease of use.
5. Experiment with Day and Night Shots for Diverse Effects
Long exposure photography is all about experimentation. Don’t limit yourself to the same old shots – try capturing a range of subjects under different lighting conditions. Your ND filters are versatile tools that can help you capture stunning effects, whether you’re shooting during the day or at night.
Here are a few creative ideas to try:
- Softening the movement of clouds
- Smoothing out turbulent waves and water
- Creating a dreamlike effect on waterfalls
- Turning car headlights into colorful streaks
- Blurring tourists or making them disappear
- Capturing the flash of lightning during a storm
By exploring different subjects and environments, you’ll discover countless opportunities to enhance your long exposure portfolio.
Mastering long exposure photography can take time, but by applying these tips, you’ll be well on your way to capturing stunning images that stand out. Whether you’re shooting serene landscapes or dynamic city scenes, long exposure techniques can elevate your photos and open up endless creative possibilities.
