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What is Long Exposure Photography?
Long exposure photography involves prolonging the shutter speed compared to normal photography. The purpose is to allow more light to enter the camera. One of the key advantages of long exposure photography is capturing brighter nighttime scenes with smooth, noise-free images without the need for a flashlight.
Advantages of Long Exposure Photography
It produces brighter nighttime images with a smooth, noise-free finish. You can achieve this without using a flash (the essence of long exposure is lowering the ISO to a low level, typically around ISO 50-100). It also allows for creating artistic light effects.
Artistic Exposure Relies on Skill and Aesthetic Sensibility
When to Shoot Long Exposure?
The best time for long exposure is when capturing landscapes at night. Normal shots often turn out too dark or grainy. Basic exposure isn't suitable for adequately lit scenes. Therefore, the period from dusk to just before sunrise is ideal for long exposure shots. In daylight situations, you'll need to use a lens filter to reduce light.
Tips and Instructions for Long Exposure Photography
– Ensure your camera remains steady as long exposure shots can blur with even the slightest movement. To minimize this, you can use a tripod, set a timer on your smartphone, initiate shots after a three-second delay, or connect headphones to the device and press the volume-up button to capture. If these methods aren't feasible, gently tap the screen instead.
– Keep ISO at its lowest level, ideally between 50-100. Some cameras, like the Z3, automatically reduce ISO in fireworks mode, so you needn't worry about it.
– Experiment with various exposure times to select the most pleasing image. Most cameras provide a preview of the image for each exposure time chosen. Exposure times range from one second to 30 seconds depending on lighting conditions.
– Even a raindrop on the camera can ruin a photo (though sometimes it creates a unique effect). Check the weather before taking photos; strong winds can shake the tripod.
– Additionally, you can focus on infinity (for landscapes) and adjust the white balance (WB) to avoid photos being tinted yellow or blue.
