How to set up a long exposure
Setting up your camera for long exposures for the first time can feel a little
complicated. There are several things you need to do to make sure the image
comes out how you want it to. Firstly, you need to find a composition that
works, ensuring there is water in the foreground for interesting reflections.
Set up your Nikon on a sturdy tripod. I usually use Live View, as I find it easier
to compose and focus the image. With the camera in Aperture Priority mode,
set a narrow aperture, such as f/11, and a low ISO (the lower the better) and
take a note of the shutter speed the camera has calculated; you need this to
work out your exposure time once the filters are in place. I normally focus
manually, zooming right in to check that the important parts of the image are
sharp. Now attach the ND filter, ensuring image stabilization is off, and also
turn Live View off. Cover the viewfinder to stop any light leaks – some Nikons
have a viewfinder blind built in, while others come with a cap to block it. You
can now calculate your exposure time, based on the shutter speed you noted
down beforehand and the strength of the filter – or filters – you have used.
There are a variety of
smartphone apps that
can help with these
calculations. Switch the
camera to Manual
exposure mode and
scroll the shutter speed
setting to Bulb mode. A
remote shutter release
is highly recommended
to avoid jogging the
camera, ideally one that
can be locked down. Hit
the shutter release
button and hold it down
until the calculated
exposure time has
elapsed. Check you’re
happy with the
exposure on the rear
LCD, adjusting the
exposure time and
retaking the shot
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of the architecture that you’re shooting. Mirroring a
nice building in the smooth water makes wonderful
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conditions are like this, it depends how still the water
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these open spaces for the skyline to be clearly seen –
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incorporating so much water into the image doesn’t
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clean foreground, can really add to your images.Above left:
Something of
interest, such
as this Antony
Gormley sculpture,
will always add
something to a
photo. But try and
include others’ art
in your own imagery
without making it
all about their work.,ȇYHVHHQPDQ\ȩQHDUWLPDJHV
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H ow to master... (^) FINE-ART ARCHITECTURE