CREATIVE TECHNIQUES
1
Trip o d
Our exposure time will be reaching
around several minutes, so during that time we
need the camera to stay completely still. As such
a tripod is essential. Be careful not to nudge it
during the exposure, remove the camera strap
so it doesn’t flap around in the breeze, and weigh
the tripod down if the wind is strong.
2
Exposure settings
Our camera here is set to Manual
exposure mode with the shutter speed set to
Bulb, aperture at f/16 and ISO100. With the near-
dark conditions approaching and a three-stop ND
filter attached to the lens, the exposure length
ran into a very impressive duration of around
about 13 minutes.3
Cable release
Whenever we use Bulb mode a cable
release is absolutely essential, as it means we
don’t need to continually depress the shutter
throughout the exposure. Most cable releases
have a slide lock that allows you to lock the
button down, meaning that your hands will
be free to do what else you need to do.4
Bold shapes
A twilight sky is given extra depth
and context if you include a strong shape in the
foreground of your shot. In our case, the windmill
gives us a very bold subject against the backdrop
of a wonderful sky. A high vantage point – we
were at top of a hill here – ensures we get the
best view of the sky and our subject.
5
Twilight colours
At twilight the most interesting part
of the sky will almost always be in the direction
of the setting sun, so compose the shot in this
direction for the most vivid colours and
interesting cloud formations. By waiting until
the light in the sky is dwindling, we can balance
it with the spotlit windmill.6
Balanced light
Buildings or other structures that are lit
up at night can look wonderful, but it can be hard
to balance the light in the sky with the spotlit
structure. The key is to wait for the sky to darken
to the point where they balance harmoniously
with one another – for us this was about half an
hour after sundown.Long-exposure landscapes
HERE’S HOW TO GET SET UP TO SHOOT WITH A
LONG SHUTTER SPEED AS THE SUN GOES DOWN
124536CREATIVE TECHNIQUES
Quick Tip
Before heading out check
the weather forecast and
the exact time of sundown- we’re after a clear, calm
night with a few clouds.