Photography is often about freezing a moment in time, but sometimes slowing things down can produce results that feel almost otherworldly. Long exposure photography is a creative technique that uses slow shutter speeds—measured in seconds, minutes, or even hours—to transform ordinary scenes into dreamlike works of art. From silky oceans to streaking clouds and glowing city lights, this style of photography allows us to capture movement in a way that the human eye can’t naturally see.
Why Long Exposure?
Normally, shutter speeds are fractions of a second, fast enough to capture crisp, detailed images. But when you extend the exposure, you allow time itself to leave its mark on the photo. A choppy sea turns smooth and misty, headlights stretch into glowing trails, and rushing rivers transform into streams of soft white silk. Long exposure is about creativity and storytelling—it takes something ordinary and renders it surreal.
Start with a Solid Tripod
One of the most important tools for long exposure photography is a sturdy tripod. Since the camera’s shutter stays open for an extended time, even the slightest shake can ruin your shot. Make sure your tripod is stable, and if you’re shooting in windy conditions, add extra weight to keep it steady. Many photographers hang their camera bag from the tripod’s center hook for extra balance. If wind is still an issue, use your body, a jacket, or another object as a shield to reduce vibrations.
Minimize Vibrations with Mirror Lock-Up
For DSLR users, another small but critical adjustment is enabling mirror lock-up (sometimes called exposure delay). When the mirror flips up inside the camera, it can cause tiny vibrations. Normally this doesn’t matter, but during a long exposure those small movements can be recorded. Mirror lock-up gives the camera a moment to settle before the shutter opens, resulting in sharper images.
Hands-Free Shooting
Physically pressing the shutter button can also introduce camera shake. The simplest way to avoid this is to use your camera’s self-timer, especially for exposures under 30 seconds. For longer shots, switch to Bulb mode, which keeps the shutter open as long as you need. In this case, a cable release or remote trigger is essential—it allows you to control the shutter without touching the camera. Many modern cameras also offer wireless remote shooting through smartphone apps, which can be especially convenient.
Block Unwanted Light
When shooting long exposures, light can sneak into the camera through unexpected places, especially the viewfinder. This stray light can cause unwanted flares or streaks. If your camera has a built-in viewfinder cover, use it. If not, a simple piece of black tape, fabric, or the rubber cover that comes with many cameras will do the job. It may seem like a small step, but it can make the difference between a clean image and a ruined one.
Reduce Digital Noise
Extended exposures can generate heat on the camera’s sensor, which often shows up as grain or tiny colored spots in the final image. Most cameras include a long exposure noise reduction option that processes the photo to minimize these issues. Turning it on can help keep your images clean, though keep in mind it doubles the time required for each shot, since the camera processes data after capturing the exposure.
Long Exposure Beyond the Night
Many people associate long exposure with nighttime photography, but it’s just as effective during the day. Using a neutral density (ND) filter allows you to reduce the amount of light entering the lens, making it possible to use longer shutter speeds in bright conditions. Strong ND filters can block multiple stops of light, giving you the freedom to experiment with surreal motion effects even in midday sun.
Final Thoughts
Long exposure photography requires patience, planning, and a bit of experimentation. It’s not just about technical skill but about vision—imagining how motion, light, and time can be woven into a single frame. The next time you’re by the sea, in the city, or near flowing water, slow down your shutter and see how the world transforms through your lens. The results may surprise you, and with practice, this technique can become one of the most rewarding tools in your creative arsenal.
