Long Exposure Shots - Getting It Just Right

When taking photos at night time, using a flash often results in some loss of colour and some of the vibrant detail of the shot, which can make for a washed-out, boring-looking photo. One of the ways to combat this is to use a longer shutter time and no flash for night time shots. You’ll get some motion blur if you have moving subjects, but often this still makes for a more interesting photo. Yet long exposure shots are not just for night time. Slow shutter speeds can be used to take beautiful, surreal looking images even in daylight - here are some things you need to start experimenting with your own long-exposure photos.

Grab some gadgets – You don’t need expensive SLR camera lenses or professional equipment to take long exposure shots, but there are a couple of basic tools you’ll need to get your trigger-happy hands on. A tripod is important, as it will keep the camera stable while the shutter is open, and will minimise any unwanted blurring. You may also want to invest in a remote shutter release, to further reduce camera shake. If you’re shooting during the day, a natural density (ND) Filter will cut down the amount of light entering the camera and help avoid overexposed daytime shots when using slow shutter speeds.

Use the right setting – Your digital SLR camera will most likely have a setting which will allow you to automatically expose the photo for up to 30 seconds. For exposure times longer than this, you’ll have to set your camera to B (bulb) mode, which will keep the shutter open for as long as you hold down the shutter release button. Set both the camera ISO and aperture to the lowest setting.

Experiment – trial and error will allow you to slowly learn and understand the best camera settings for different situations. Soon you’ll be able to automatically judge how much exposure time you’ll need in a certain light. Use your wait-time while your shutter is open to scope out new photo opportunities - mistakes and failed photographs can actually be very educational and helpful. The beauty of digital photography is that you can take as many shots as you want, and get rid of the not-so picturesquepictures.

By: Canon Australia & New Zealand

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