Canon EOS 5D Mark IV 24mm F / 8 130s ISO100
Basic Requirements Here are a few“ must haves” to get best possible results:
• A good and sturdy tripod
• Set of ND filters
• Set of Graduated ND filters
• Circular Polariser
• Remote Shutter Release
What Filter to use? It depends on what kind of effect you want to achieve. For example if you are shooting the turbulent sea and you want to shoot crashing waves in such a way to keep it between the complete freeze to complete silky smooth, then a 3 stop or a 6 Stop filter will be the choice but if you want to create a silky smooth look, then you may need a 10 or a 15 stop Filter.
Finding out which filter will be appropriate, comes with experience.
Set up the Camera and Important Tips
Long Exposure landscape photography can get frustrating for beginners but as in any other situation, practice makes you perfect. Setting up the camera the right way will help you achieve better results faster and keep the frustration away.
- Put the camera on a sturdy tripod, which is set up on firm ground. A good tripod is a critical part of long exposure photography. Remember your shutter may remain open for
a few minutes and the camera has to be rock steady all this while.
- Shoot in RAW format
- Use lowest possible ISO to get minimal high ISO noise.
- Close down the aperture to around f / 8 or f / 11 to get deep depth of field.
- Turn off your Image Stabiliser. Image stabilization is for handheld shooting. Your camera is already on a tripod and IS may try to auto correct smallest of movement and may ruin your final image.
- Lock the Mirror. This will remove the possibility of vibration created by the mirror movement while pressing the shutter button.
- Use Remote Release Cable. This will help you keep your hands off the camera. This is another essential when you are shooting in Bulb mode.
- Calculate Base Exposure. Set the right aperture at lowest possible ISO and get the exposure reading. This will help you calculate correct exposure time based on the type of ND filter you are using.
- Lock the Focus. Some ND filters can be very dense making it difficult for camera focus. Compose, Focus, and change to Manual Focus.
- Fix the ND filter. Carefully fix the ND filter set on the lens. I first put the desired ND filter and / or GND filter in place before putting on the filter holder unit on the lens.
- Cover the Viewfinder. This is to prevent stray light sneaking in and affecting the exposure.
- Calculate the right exposure time based on the density of ND filter being used. For example, if you are using a 10 Stop Filter, change the Shutter Speed to compensate for the 10 Stop loss of light.
You can use available apps for your Android based phone or iPhone to calculate exact correct exposure.
- Check histogram. Don’ t forget to check the histogram after the shot is taken.
- Which ND Filters to buy? I have used many brands and now settled for NiSi brand of ND Filters which are one of the finest in the market today.
Final Thoughts Long exposure photography requires more planning than other forms of photography but it’ s worth the effort. Once you get the hang of it, Long exposure photography using ND filters can be highly addictive in nature. So what are you waiting for? Pack your filters in your bag and shoot stunning dreamy landscapes using long exposure.
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