There is something ultimately relaxing about the process of long exposure photography. Take an already stunning location and slow the whole view down. This will make even the moving aspects of the scene entirely still. It is a relaxing process with the added benefit of the fresh air and the great outdoors.
1. Use a Tripod:
Stability is crucial in long exposure photography because the camera's shutter is open for an extended period. Even slight movements can result in blurry images. Invest in a sturdy tripod to keep your camera still during the exposure. Extend the legs fully and use a remote shutter release or the camera's timer. This will minimise camera shake when pressing the shutter button.
2, Select the Right ND Filter:
Neutral density (ND) filters reduce the light entering the camera, allowing for longer shutter speeds even in bright conditions. The choice of ND filter strength, such as ND2, ND4, or ND10, depends on the effect you want to achieve. A more robust ND filter, like ND10, is suitable for extremely long exposures, while lighter ND filters are ideal for moderately long exposures.
3. Choose the Ideal Aperture and ISO:
Long exposure photography often involves using small apertures (higher f-numbers) to control the light entering the camera. This results in a greater depth of field and sharpness in your images. Keep your ISO as low as possible (usually 100 or 200) to minimise noise in the final image.
4. Calculate The Exposure Time:
Calculating the correct exposure time is essential for achieving the desired effect. Start with your camera's metered exposure without the ND filter. Calculate the adjusted exposure time with the filter in place. You can use long exposure calculator apps or online tables to help with these calculations.
5, Experiment with Composition:
Long exposure photography allows you to create unique compositions by capturing the passage of time. Experiment with subjects like flowing water, moving clouds, or light trails from vehicles. Consider the composition carefully, and use leading lines, exciting foreground elements, and strong focal points to enhance your photos.
Bonus Tip: Review and Adjust:
After taking a long exposure shot, review the image and make necessary adjustments. Check for exposure, composition, and potential issues like blown-out highlights or unwanted artefacts. If needed, take multiple shots with varying settings to ensure you get the best result. Read more in The Long Exposure eBook.
Remember that long exposure photography often involves much trial and error. Please don't be discouraged if your initial attempts don't appear as expected. You'll improve your skills and capture stunning long exposure images with practice and patience.
Long Exposure Photography examples from Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland offers some spectacular landscapes from the Dark Hedges, made famous by the Game of Thrones, to the cranes of Harland and Wolff, home of the Titanic. Here are just ten locations in Northern Ireland that I've approached with a long shutter speed and an ND filter.
As a former Fujifilm X Photographer, I use my Fujifilm X-100V or Fujifilm X-E2 cameras to capture my long exposure landscape images. I am a massive fan of the Lee Filter Seven5 system, and combined with the Fujinon XF 23mm and XF 14mm lenses, it is tough to beat.
My advice is to approach long exposure photography in two stages. When approaching a location, it is essential to consider the composition before setting up the camera for a long exposure capture, a process that fills you with anticipation for the stunning image you're about to create.
Long exposure photography can yield stunning and creative results but requires careful planning and execution. Here are five tips to help you capture better long exposure photos:
1. St John's Point
St John's Point, on County Down's coastline, is a favourite photography location. To ensure your safety along the jagged rocks and high water, it is best photographed during the golden hours and as the tide goes out.
This photo was captured with the new XF 23mm Fujinon lens and the Lee Filter Seven5 system. The XF 14mm was too wide as I tried to strike a balance between the lighthouse and capturing the water.
2. Holywood, County Down
The old yacht club in Holywood is an excellent location for trying out new equipment. This Jetty, on the edge of Belfast Lough, is best photographed at high tide. Be aware of the wake created by the Seacat that passes regularly. I used the leading lines of the Jetty to draw the viewer's eye to the centre of the frame.
3. Tolymore County Down
I captured one of the first images with a preproduction Fujifilm X-Pro1 and 18mm lens using B+W screw-on ND filters. Care should be taken on the slippery green rocks to ensure your tripod will remain steady throughout the 10-30-second exposures. The Fuji cameras employ a cable release system. It also offers a very useful countdown on the LCD screen to ensure the correct exposure time.
Generally, my long exposure captures are at most 30 seconds, so the T mode is all I ever need to use. If you don't have a cable release, set the timer on the camera for 2 seconds. This will help avoid camera shake when pressing the shutter button.
4. Crumlin Glenn, County Antrim
Again, this image was captured using the Fujifilm X-Pro1 and XF 18mm lens with B+W filters. This location is best avoided following heavy rain or during the summer with little rainfall. I wanted to make the water appear as soft as possible to ensure the rocks in the foreground were extra sharp to create contrast.
5. Dunluce Castle
This is a really brilliant location. Care must be taken as you walk from the car park to sea level. This image was shot on the Fujifilm XE-2 (14mm) at around mid-day. The water flows at a rate that means a 3-4 second exposure is enough to smooth the water and keep the colour rich in the surrounding environment.
6. The View from Balintoy
If you visit Northern Ireland, the North Coast has to be on the list of places to visit. Famous for the Giant's Causeway and a favourite location for the brilliant Game of Thrones, the views are breathtaking. This image was captured during a late summer evening using the Fujifilm X-Pro1 and ND filter.
7. The Old Oil Jetty
A local fisherman told me about this remarkable Jetty on the County Antrim coastline. It is silent, eerie and cold. This image was captured with the Fujifilm X-Pro1 and XF 35mm lens using B+W ND filters. I converted the image to mono in Lightroom to reinforce the intimidating silence experienced under the Jetty.
8. Lawson's Jetty
Northern Ireland has some stunning beaches, but Castlerock is extra special. Overlooking my Mussendon Temple, it is a view to behold as the sun goes down. Just around the corner from the bar mouth sits the old Lawson's Jetty. This image was captured with the Fujifilm X100 and the Lee Seven5 filter system. I convert my photos to mono when trying to draw out the texture of the materials or create a stark contrast with the water.
If you haven't experimented with long-exposure photography, I highly recommend exploring your local area equipped with a camera, tripod and ND filter. It can be an addictive process, but better still, you will find locations on your doorstep you never even knew existed. Then, come for a visit to Northern Ireland and capture all the beauty we have to offer.