Long Exposures - Water

[Paul Jones]

My last 2 photos have been long exposures of water and I've noticed that my best, or at least my favourite photos have been long exposure water scenes which is not all that surprising, as I live by the sea.

I have learned a lot about long exposures over the last few months and thought it would be nice to see other peoples photos of long exposure water scenes, be it the sea, rivers, lakes, waterfalls etc. Maybe post some info about exposure time etc to help other people out and any general tips you have for people that want to try it out themselves.

I'll start it off with a few of my own photos and the relevant details. Also my general tips would be:

1) Your tripod is never as steady as you think it is, at 30 or more seconds even the slightest movement can ruin the shot. Try to dig it into the sand/earth if you can.

2) You don't need to spend a fortune on a neutral density filter. I got a 9 stop ND500 filter from Light Craft Workshop for 60euro.

3) Use mirror up mode (if you camera has it) and a remote shutter release (or self timer) to minimise vibrations.

4) Shoot in RAW as this will give you some more freedom if you under or overestimated the shutter speed.

Looking forward to seeing your photos and tips.

Paul


10 second exposure at f/11 to get a lot of it if focus and not too long as to keep the rocks under the water visible.




30 second exposure to get as much colour out of the sky as possible.




25 second exposure to really smooth the water and blur the clouds.

[JeanCarl]

[Lyn]

I'm always trying to do this, but usually wonder WHY after I look at the pictures, but I was pleased with the sharp focus on the fallen tree here.

[Sheila]

@lyno I love this photo! The fallen tree really adds to the country feel!

[Sheila]

Only a one second exposure on a narrow boardwalk with wobbly sides. No tripod. Lots of water.

[Paul Jones]

@danacarruthers Great photos Dana. I also found that my long exposures, whilst not sooc as i only shoot RAW, have been processed the least.

@monika64 Hand help for 1.6 seconds Monika. I'm impressed!

@jeancarl Lovely photos JeanCarl, I especially like the fountain one.

@lyno Very nice. The tree is an interesting element.

@swguevin Very cool Sheila. You've captured the power very nicely.

[David Lima]

here is my attempt this was back in january.
Exposure: 14.7 sec (147/10)
Aperture: f/32.0
ISO Speed: 100
Focal Length: 32 mm

[Paul Jones]

@dlemma Very nice David but how did you get 14.7 seconds? Seems an odd shutter speed.

[Barbora Stredova]

my first try here:

[Paul Jones]

@lalola616 Amazing first try Barbora. Mine was terrible!

[Barbora Stredova]

@jonesp I mean not the first picture I took... just mine first long exposure shooting

[David Lima]

@jonesp That what the 365 site shows it as that. I think it was actually 15 seconds.

[Paul Jones]

@dlemma That makes more sense David :-)

@lalola616 I got that Barbora. I just meant my first attempt at long exposure was terrible.

[Hales Suen]

I just take one tonight...^^

[Flagged]

95 sec exposure (ND400) flattened out the 3 foot swell and gave something out of a drab sunset.


and...

Long exp one of my favorite things to do.

[Sharon Lee]

Thanks for he tips Paul... I am looking forward to trying this properly.

[Paul Jones]

@flagged Lovely shots flagged. I think the b&w works well. And I agree, one of my fav types of shots too. Were there really 3 foot swells? Must try that tomorrow.. big waves here at the minute.

[Paul Jones]

@hales Really nice Hales. The little bit on the right is interesting.

[Flagged]

@jonesp Yeah the waves were 3 feet high, even with a 10-30 second exposure it would flatten and soften water.

[Hales Suen]

@flagged Very nice photo. I think I should buy a ND filter too...

[Mary]