Introduction
One of the creative applications for the shutter priority mode is shooting long exposures. Long exposure photography is the art of shooting with long shutter speed. Though it sounds like an oxymoron, long shutter speed is the easy way to express this long exposure photography technique.
Basically, the shutter curtains (there are two in the majority of cameras) remain open for a longer than usual time-frame and therefore light is captured over a longer time frame.
This also induces motion blur and light trails which is an interesting creative photography genre in itself. We will briefly touch those aspects of photography as well as we go along.
Basic setup – Tools
Any camera and lens combination can be used to shoot long exposure photos. Even compact cameras can also be used for shooting long exposure photography. Most compact cameras have what is known as the ‘fireworks mode’ or the ‘low light mode’. It basically allows the lens to remain open for a longer than usual time frame to capture a long exposure photo. You could take advantage of this mode.
Tripod
One thing that you absolutely cannot do without is a tripod. A tripod is the single most important tool to get a blur-free long exposures shot. Why? Because with long exposures you have to keep the camera super steady while the exposure is being made. I know a lot of people out there have steady hands. But when it comes to long exposure photography even steady is not good enough.
I know there are people who have steady hands like surgeons, but not everyone is blessed with such steadiness. For mere mortals, a tripod is the difference between getting a blur-free sharp image and a blurry photo. Everyone loves intentional blur. Such as when the subject is sharp in focus and the chaotic world around melts in a blurriness. Or when a dark highway is lit with the lights of passing vehicles. Or the night sky becomes decked with ornamental fireworks display.
But no one likes unintentional blur. Like when your subject and the rest of the frame is visibly blurry because your hands moved. If you don’t have a tripod the next best bet is a wall or a ledge or a table. Practically anything that can keep the camera from moving whilst the exposure is being made.
The technique of long exposure photography has many creative applications which simply cannot be achieved without the help of a tripod.
ND Filter
A ND filter set / variable ND filter is a tool that you should always have in your bag, especially if you are a natural light shooter. ND filters are like sunglasses for your lens. A variable ND filter is the best bet because it gives you a wider range of shooting possibilities. It cuts down on the ambient light which means your exposure time is longer automatically. The best thing about a ND filter is that it allows you to practice the technique of long exposure photography even in broad daylight!
Remote Trigger – Cable Release
When you are dabbling with long exposure photography it is pertinent to know that even the slightest bit of wobble can ruin your photo. And that is always a possibility when you touch your camera to press the shutter release. Even though the camera might be secured on a tripod. To avoid a situation where you unintentionally jerk your camera it is recommended that you use a cable release. A cable release will plug into the mini HDMI port of your camera and will allow you to trigger the shutter without actually having to touch your camera. Most cable releases also support bulb mode where you can keep the shutter open for as long as you can.
Basic Setup – Camera Settings
On DSLRs and mirrorless systems you get to choose the precise duration for how which the lens remains open to receive light. All you have to do is to switch to manual exposure or shutter priority mode.
Best scenarios to the use long exposure photography technique
Some scenarios which you can use the technique of long exposure photography have been briefly introduced under the sub-heading ‘Basic setup – Tools’. Here is another great scenario in which you can use long exposure photography technique.
Let’s imagine that you are hoping to capture a seascape. You wish to capture a shot where the incoming tide produces the effect of a silky smooth surface. If it is extremely bright you could use a ND filter of the appropriate strength and then use the long exposure technique discussed above to produce the effect. If the ambient brightness is a lot less then you may not need an ND filter.