The setup
For imagery in urban environments I tend to use filters
to create the desired effect. For shots like this I’ll likely
combine several filters, including a circular polariser
and an ND filter. The circular polariser is particularly
useful for managing reflective surfaces, including
architecture, or if there is water in the image and you
want to capture an even more impactful reflection.
ND filters come in various guises, but the most
popular are 6-stop and 10-stop filters. Each increases
the exposure of your image by 6 stops and 10 stops
respectively. When I’m shooting at sunrise/sunset I
prefer the 6-stop because the shutter speed is quite
low during these times, so the exposure time can get
rather long if you opt to use a 10-stop. Combining
these filters can provide many creative opportunities in
an urban environment.Filters can help you to achieve creative effects
Using filters
effectively
WIDE-ANGLE LENS
Using this kind of lens will
enable you to capture the
foreground as well as the
sky to provide a sense of
movement in the scene
FILTERS
UsinganND filter will
ensurethat the shutter
speed is lengthened
in-camera, achieving a
sense of motion in the
sky/reflectionSTABLETRIPOD&HEAD
It’simperativethatyourcamera
remainslockedoffandstable
throughtheexposure,soa
sturdytripodisamustURBAN LONG EXPOSURES