Long exposure photography has become very popular in the last couple of years, getting a lot of coverage in landscape photography magazines and on photo sharing websites.
With the ever-increasing number of options for 10-stop neutral density (ND) filters on the market, there has never been a better time to give it a go.
However, taking photographs when using such high-density filters gives rise to a set of problems that you may not have previously considered, so this article is intended to give a few useful tips to get you started.
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Tripod
A tripod is the most important bit of kit for any landscape photographer, but it is even more so for long exposures and ND filters. Your exposure can easily extend to minutes. You need a tripod.
Even a small gust of wind can ruin your shot. Some suggest hanging a bag from your tripod for weight, but it can act like a sail. Get a sturdy tripod and keep it low to the ground when possible.
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Focus First
With a filter on your lens, your camera may not focus properly. Focus first, switch to manual focus, and then attach your ND filter.
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Viewfinder
Even when using live view, some cameras allow light through the viewfinder window which can ruin an exposure. Use the built-in cover if you have one, or simply drape a cloth over it to block stray light.
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Bulb Mode
For exposures longer than 30 seconds, switch to Bulb mode. This lets you hold the shutter open for as long as you need.
You’ll want a remote shutter release to avoid holding the button down, and an app to calculate exposure time after adding the ND filter.
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The Right Conditions
The best results come when there are moving clouds or water. Without movement, a long exposure will look no different than a normal one. Wind and waves add life to your frame.
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Hot Pixels
Long exposures can introduce noise in the form of hot pixels. To deal with this, take a second shot of the same length with the lens cap on. Use it later to subtract the hot pixels during post-processing.
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Colour Cast
Some ND filters leave a colour cast. Shoot in RAW so you can correct it in post-processing. If it’s too strong, consider converting to black and white.
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Composition
A long exposure doesn’t fix a weak composition. If anything, you’ll be more frustrated because of the time and effort spent. Composition always matters.
Conclusion
While long exposures require more planning and effort, the results can be breathtaking. I run workshops on this subject regularly – check my events page for details. And if you’ve got extra tips, drop them in the comments.
In the meantime, here’s a video where I take a 17 minute exposure:
