Iam always fascinated seeing long exposure pictures. However my trials so far didnt lead to anything useful.

 

So i'd like to get some basic tips or links to get started.

 

I shoot currently with a Nikon D3000

 

Thanks,

Alex

 

Hi Alex, My five cents worth is as follows:

 

1. Use a tripod. It's almost impossible to hand-hold your camera steadily enough for the time you need for a long exposure, unless you are after a more abstract result.

 

2. Use a remote shutter release or the camera's self timer to avoid camera shake.

 

3. I prefer to use the "mirror lock" mode on my SLR which locks the mirror in the up position and avoids unnecessary camera shake.

 

4. Invest in some Neutral Density filters. These reduce the amount of light reaching the sensor, thus avoiding over-exposure. For nice long exposures consider a 10-stop ND400 filter. You might want to also add in front of this a graduate Neutral Density filter if you are shooting landscapes with sky involved. This will prevent over-exposure of your sky if you have metered for the land.

 

All of these tips can be explored further on numerous on-line photo teaching sites, and I am sure others will be able to expand or add to what I have said.

 

Good luck,

 

Vince

thank you Vince for this answer!

 

I can add to that player since you can make photo started at dusk, or night.

and without filter you can make "small" long exposure 30sec ( and without telecomande)

Thank you, Victorien. You are absolutely correct, and one can get beautiful results at dusk and night.

 

Vince

I how to estimate the time for a good long exposure? i.e. I want to make an lake looks like a fog for example how long I must set my shutter?

 

Hi Renan - I have done quite a bit of LE work, and recently did an article for EV Mag. There are some basic tips there.

 

https://itunes.apple.com/app/extraordinary-vision-outdoor/id563485634

 

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bdehhafjjd.dbjbdehhafjjd

 

There are many variables in making a good LE image. A lake won't ever look like fog, as that effect is made from waves. So if you want that effect, you need to shoot at the seaside or ocean, where waves hitting rocks over 3 or 4 minutes will look like smoke.

You will still get a very nice look on a lake however with a long exposure. The water will take on a velvety texture, and any small ripples will be smoothed out.

Even a 1 minute exposure will work. Basically, set your ISO to 100, make sure you have noise reduction enabled, mirror lockup enabled. Adjust aperture to around 11 and see what the exposure would be without the 10-stop filter. I use the Lee Big Stopper, and to get a 2 minute exposure, the shutter speed before filter needs to be about 1/8th.

 

Thanks a lot for your help Mark

Hi Renan and everyone - I have posted a blog on my tips for Long Exposure Photography.

 

http://1x.com/member/markvcr/blog

 

Feel free to have a look. Thanks!

 

Hi Renan,

 

it gonna depend on many parameters ... especially the states of agitation of the water, more the water swirl and the less you will need a long exposure time.

 

this photo was to make a day Tempet less than 30sec of exposure.

http://1x.com/photo/101973/all:user:233833

 

handed as it was done in a rather quiet day and ask me over 10min of expsoure

http://1x.com/photo/470030/all:user:233833

 

there is no right answer, the best is to test :-)

With the experience we arrive at what effect will have 8sec, 30sec or 4 min on a river

Thanks for helping guys

Greetings to all :) Hi Renan, my 2 cents..wait for the best light..the blue hour works magically on long exposures, maintaining some great colors int the sky, and also the subtle color tones and reflections on the water, by the sea or lake..as for the fog on a lake, wait for a windy day, and choose carefully a nice spot, protected from the wind, with a strong tripod, with your bag or rocks attached to the bottom..every slight vibrations make a lot of diference, on sharpness..;) regards

P.S. above 30" you´re on the limit of the stars..entering the "star trails mode"

ixhumni thank you for your participation :-)

 

Let me add a clarification: the "star trails mode" dependent of the focal and the framing. With a 30mm you can make a photo 20sec without perceiving movement. With a 16mm can be approached the minute of pose. But with a 200m can not exceed one sec especially if you have a frame away from the pole star.