Long Exposures: I'd like to try long exposure photography for a change but every time I try my images turn out either over exposed or very dull. Could anyone give me some tips and...

Luthien Loc: United Kingdom

I'd like to try long exposure photography for a change but every time I try my images turn out either over exposed or very dull.

Could anyone give me some tips and point me in the right direction please?

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Luthien wrote:

I'd like to try long exposure photography for a change but every time I try my images turn out either over exposed or very dull.

Could anyone give me some tips and point me in the right direction please?

If you don't have decent ND filters, you'll need some. Check here, too. http://www.alexwisephotography.net/blog/2010/02/16/guide-to-daytime-long-exposures/

Luthien Loc: United Kingdom

jerryc41 wrote:

Luthien wrote:

I'd like to try long exposure photography for a change but every time I try my images turn out either over exposed or very dull.

Could anyone give me some tips and point me in the right direction please?

If you don't have decent ND filters, you'll need some. Check here, too. http://www.alexwisephotography.net/blog/2010/02/16/guide-to-daytime-long-exposures/

I've actually just been looking at that exact site. I have a cheap ND8 filter which I got a while ago, but I'm looking into getting either the Hoya or B+W now.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Luthien wrote:

quote=jerryc41 quote=Luthien I'd like to try lon... (show quote)

I tested my ND4 last week, and the results were not good. I'm going to get the Hoya or B+W.

Tip: Rather than buy different size filters, get the largest size you need and use stepdown rings so you can use one filter on all your lenses.

bullfrogs Loc: Chico, Calif.

Luthien
Can you elaborate further on what type of long exposure photos you desire to take. What venue? Astrophotography etc ???
Bullfrogs

Luthien Loc: United Kingdom

bullfrogs wrote:

Luthien
Can you elaborate further on what type of long exposure photos you desire to take. What venue? Astrophotography etc ???
Bullfrogs

I'd like to try the 'soft' water effect, and night exposures of my city skyline.
I only really want to get a feel for it at the moment though, to get some practise in.
Eventually I would love to do astrophotography!

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Luthien wrote:

bullfrogs wrote:

Luthien
Can you elaborate further on what type of long exposure photos you desire to take. What venue? Astrophotography etc ???
Bullfrogs

I'd like to try the 'soft' water effect, and night exposures of my city skyline.
I only really want to get a feel for it at the moment though, to get some practise in.
Eventually I would love to do astrophotography!

Below is a shot I took of a little waterfall by the side of the road. It was handheld at 1/2 sec, f/20.0, ISO 100. You don't always need an ND filter. You can experiment in the house with water at the sink.

Luthien Loc: United Kingdom

jerryc41 wrote:

Below is a shot I took of a little waterfall by the side of the road. It was handheld at 1/2 sec, f/20.0, ISO 100. You don't always need an ND filter. You can experiment in the house with water at the sink.

Thank you, i'll try again tomorrow.
Is there a way to determine how long to do an exposure for?

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

Luthien wrote:

Is there a way to determine how long to do an exposure for?

A few hints shared here:
FAQ: Neutral Density (ND) Filters for Time Exposures
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-26501-1.html

Luthien Loc: United Kingdom

Nikonian72 wrote:

Luthien wrote:

Is there a way to determine how long to do an exposure for?

A few hints shared here:
FAQ: Neutral Density (ND) Filters for Time Exposures
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-26501-1.html

Thank you! That's very helpful.

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

Luthien wrote:

Thank you! That's very helpful.

May I suggest that you peruse all of the Frequently Asked Questions & Answers Forum? I think that you will find other subjects of interest to you: http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/s-106-1.html

chapjohn Loc: Tigard, Oregon

Without a CPL or ND filter, try the lowest ISO (100-200), and the narrowest aperture (22-40), and 2 second shutter speed. Make shutter speed adjustments to get the effect you desire. You can get longer exposures using circular polarzing and ND filters.

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

Waterfalls in full sun require a CPF (Circular Polarizing Filter - it is NOT a lens) or a Neutral Density filter, to elongate exposure. Small waterfalls in shade can be handled with only low ISO & small aperture.

Nikon D5000 at ISO 100, Nikkor 18-55 zoom lens at 55-mm, 0.6-sec at f/36.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Luthien wrote:

jerryc41 wrote:

Below is a shot I took of a little waterfall by the side of the road. It was handheld at 1/2 sec, f/20.0, ISO 100. You don't always need an ND filter. You can experiment in the house with water at the sink.

Thank you, i'll try again tomorrow.
Is there a way to determine how long to do an exposure for?

Digital photos are free. Experiment!

Luthien Loc: United Kingdom

Thanks everyone. I'll start experimenting this week!