Long Exposure Photography

Introduction

In this post I will outline the steps in taking a long exposure photograph and give suggestions for what makes a suitable location, like the one above in Koh Samet, Thailand. Basic equipment needed is a camera with a Bulb Mode (usually labelled B), remote shutter release switch, tripod and some ND filters. Let’s dive straight in!

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.

Using the table: if the test exposure time is 1/30s and you require 30 seconds then in the first row go down from 1/30s to 30s then across to the left and you see will need an ND Filter Stop of 10.P3

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 long exposure noise reduction for very long exposure 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 and taking long exposure photographs. I always forget to do this and I haven’t found an issue with the photographs I take.

What makes a suitable location?

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.

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.

Best wishes

Derek