Want to take amazing photographs in the middle of the day, without the harsh light? Invest in a neutral density filter. Here are 7 tips for using a neutral density filter for long exposure photography.
Ideally, you want to take your shots in the morning or evening, when the natural light is softer. You can also lighten up your shots using software after your photo shoot. Using a neutral density filter means you can do without both of these.
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1. Setup
You will need to have your camera set up and ready to go prior to using the filter since you won't be able to see anything once you put it on your camera. Put your lens on manual focus on since your camera won't be able to focus on anything in the dark anyway.
You will need to have your camera set up and ready to go prior to using the filter since you won't be able to see anything once you put it on your camera. Put your lens on manual focus on since your camera won't be able to focus on anything in the dark anyway.
2. Exposure
Utilize the exposure triangle for the picture prior to adding the filter. Get your ISO, aperture and shutter speed where they should be for the shot you see. Then you will be ready to add the filter to your camera.
Utilize the exposure triangle for the picture prior to adding the filter. Get your ISO, aperture and shutter speed where they should be for the shot you see. Then you will be ready to add the filter to your camera.
3. Color
You will need to change the color around for your shot. Getting a shot with long exposure in bright light with a filter means the colors will be off. Take shots with a variety of white balance modes until you get the color you want that also brings out the best in your shot.
You will need to change the color around for your shot. Getting a shot with long exposure in bright light with a filter means the colors will be off. Take shots with a variety of white balance modes until you get the color you want that also brings out the best in your shot.
4. No shake
You want your camera to be absolutely still, since you want whatever shot you are taking to come out as smooth as possible. Keep a tripod handy to set up once you are at the scene where you want to take shots with your filter. Using a remote trigger with the tripod will also help the camera not shake.
You want your camera to be absolutely still, since you want whatever shot you are taking to come out as smooth as possible. Keep a tripod handy to set up once you are at the scene where you want to take shots with your filter. Using a remote trigger with the tripod will also help the camera not shake.
5. No subjects
If you want to take an artsy picture with the filter, make sure there are people walking around while shooting your scene. You will end up with a softly lit picture with wavy movements, evidence of the people that were walking around.
If you want to take an artsy picture with the filter, make sure there are people walking around while shooting your scene. You will end up with a softly lit picture with wavy movements, evidence of the people that were walking around.
6. Long exposure noise reduction
You will want to turn this setting off if the lighting is already great for your shot, counting on the time of day. This setting tells your camera to take a long time to process your picture. You won't need this on with the neutral density filter.
You will want to turn this setting off if the lighting is already great for your shot, counting on the time of day. This setting tells your camera to take a long time to process your picture. You won't need this on with the neutral density filter.
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7. Keep it clean
Since many photographers use neutral density filters to get smooth shots of water, your camera and other equipment may get wet from being close to the water source. Bring cleaning cloths and a blow brush so your equipment won't get ruined during these long exposures to water.
Since many photographers use neutral density filters to get smooth shots of water, your camera and other equipment may get wet from being close to the water source. Bring cleaning cloths and a blow brush so your equipment won't get ruined during these long exposures to water.