1. Three's a charm. Yep, we all love a good third leg with it invaluable usefulness and charming demure. And now that we mention it a tripod is just such a three legged beauty. Strong, independent, stable and always willing to lend you a hand, those are the traits of a great tripod, how do you go about finding such a model? Don't rush out and buy the cheapest you can afford, I like to use tripods from Manfrotto or Gitzo and would suggest reading reviews and paying attention to supported weights before throwing your camera on any old thing. A poor quality tripod will not work in keeping your camera stable. Period.
2. Shoot with a low ISO. Contrary to what may first make sense when shooting in low light with a tripod don't jack up the ISO, simply use a longer shutter speed. By increasing the ISO you will increase noise, this particularly becomes an issue in long exposure photos so set your ISO nice and low.
3. Use neutral density filters. Sometimes there are occasions when you may wish to create the effect of a long exposure such a swirling water or streaking clouds yet there is too much light to facilitate the exposure time you desire. First of all you can lower your ISO and stop down your aperture however this may not be enough. If that's the case call upon ND filters which basically act as sunglasses for your camera, allowing less light in, thus increasing exposure time. ND filters are available in a range of strengths so choose a couple that will suit your desired results.
4. Is Film, Is Dead. For long exposure photography it's not. Unlike digital sensors which develop unpleasant noise during long exposures film handles it nicely and can render some really great long exposure images. One issue of note when using film for long exposure work is a bugger known as reciprocity failure. Basically film loses sensitivity to light over the length of the exposure and this must be compensated for. Find a reciprocity chart for the specific brand and type of film you are using, make your exposure corrections and bob is your uncle, assuming you have an uncle named bob, that is.
5. Torch it baby! No No, before you go setting things on fire just hold on a sec. The torch I'm referring to may be less fun but is an essential item to carry when heading out and about for some long exposure photography. Yep, it's one of these battery operated light making gizmo's. When shooting long exposure photos it is often approaching darkness or times of low light so having a torch handy makes life much easier than feeling around for dials and buttons.
2. Shoot with a low ISO. Contrary to what may first make sense when shooting in low light with a tripod don't jack up the ISO, simply use a longer shutter speed. By increasing the ISO you will increase noise, this particularly becomes an issue in long exposure photos so set your ISO nice and low.
3. Use neutral density filters. Sometimes there are occasions when you may wish to create the effect of a long exposure such a swirling water or streaking clouds yet there is too much light to facilitate the exposure time you desire. First of all you can lower your ISO and stop down your aperture however this may not be enough. If that's the case call upon ND filters which basically act as sunglasses for your camera, allowing less light in, thus increasing exposure time. ND filters are available in a range of strengths so choose a couple that will suit your desired results.
4. Is Film, Is Dead. For long exposure photography it's not. Unlike digital sensors which develop unpleasant noise during long exposures film handles it nicely and can render some really great long exposure images. One issue of note when using film for long exposure work is a bugger known as reciprocity failure. Basically film loses sensitivity to light over the length of the exposure and this must be compensated for. Find a reciprocity chart for the specific brand and type of film you are using, make your exposure corrections and bob is your uncle, assuming you have an uncle named bob, that is.
5. Torch it baby! No No, before you go setting things on fire just hold on a sec. The torch I'm referring to may be less fun but is an essential item to carry when heading out and about for some long exposure photography. Yep, it's one of these battery operated light making gizmo's. When shooting long exposure photos it is often approaching darkness or times of low light so having a torch handy makes life much easier than feeling around for dials and buttons.
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Read more great articles from samuel - wedding photography - film vs digital and destination wedding photography in Sydney Australia
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