SLR Camera and Photography: Daytime Long Exposure Photography Tips

There are two main categories of long exposure photography: images captured during the day and those that are taken at night. Although the techniques used to take these photos are largely the same, a number of differences also exist. This article talks about the techniques of taking daytime long exposures.

“The Singing Rocks” captured by PictureSocial member Ian Clark

Use a neutral density (ND) filter

Neutral density filters are normally available in different stops. The type you choose really depends on how long the exposure needs to be and also on the brightness of the day.

“Hore Abbey” captured by PictureSocial member Daniel Leis using an ND filter

Focus first

It will become nearly impossible to autofocus, especially if you are using a ND filter that is very dense. Sometimes, it may even be impossible to focus. The reason for this is that the ND filter will only allow a certain amount of light to pass through it, but your autofocus definitely requires more light for it to function. The same is also true for your eyes. This means that you will first have to remove the ND filter, compose, manually focus the shot, and then finally replace the filter and shoot. It is not advisable to use autofocus for this step, because your camera will attempt to refocus the shots after replacing the filter.

Make use of NDCalc

With this simple app (available for both Android and iPhone), it is possible to get the right exposure even with the ND filter attached. In order to use this tool, you need to use your camera’s meter to take a reading without ND filter. After that, inform the app of the exposure time that your camera got, as well as the type of ND filter that you are using. It will tell you the duration that exposure ought to be.

Take the best photos during the magic hour

The magic hours are times just before sunset and just after sunrise. Even with daytime exposure, it is still a lot better to take shots during the magic hours. This will give you better contrast against the clouds–something that will make the movements there appear more dramatic.

“Muttam Beach, Kanyakumari, India” captured by PictureSocial member Mohamed Rafi

Have your goals in mind

The weather will not matter at all if you aim to capture the misty look of the water. However, if you intend to capture cloud movement, you need to be more careful in your choice of weather. You require a day that is partly cloudy with decent winds. If a day is fully overcast, forget about getting that beautiful streak appearance, as it will be too cloudy. On the other hand, a windless day is likely to offer you only scant sky movement.

“Abandoned” captured by PictureSocial member Ævar Guomundsson

With these four tips, you can trust that you will get the best daytime long exposure photography and get the best shots you have ever wanted.

About the Author:
Swee Shiong Chong writes for SG East Photo, a photography blog on techniques and equipment that is used in creating all types of photography from around the world.

Neutral density filters have are dark sheets of glass or plastic which will decrease the level of light getting into the camera. Exactly like sunglasses, the amount of light is reduced and it enables you to use longer exposures for nice motion blur effects. ND filters are coming in various grades from lighter to darker and depending on that, they can reduce the camera settings from one stop to several.