• How to Achieve Best Shots with Long Exposure Photography

    10 January 2012

    The mechanism behind long exposure photography is basically exposure of the camera shutter for a long time. Because of this long exposure the photographer can make use of intentional and non-intentional effects to improve the image quality. Depending on the time when long exposure photography is conducted, there are a few tips that may aid a photographer to achieve the best shots. Different cameras have different settings for this kind of photography. This form of photography is usually employed when capturing motion objects like birds in flight, moving vehicles and others. Additionally, it is a time consuming photography that requires practice and patience.

    To achieve best results when undertaking long exposure photography you will need to have the following equipments at hand. They include:
     
    An Appropriate Camera
    It is important to have the right camera that is suited for this type of photography. It is essential to have a camera that allows you to have control over its exposure settings. For instance, you should consider using a camera that allows you to have long shutter speeds. In other words you need a camera that allows you to either shoot in shutter priority mode and/or full manual mode.
     
    A Tripod
    To ensure that your camera will be steady during shooting you will need a tripod. This is because you will be shooting with long shutter speeds that make handheld shooting impossible. Also, a tripod saves your images from irritating intentional effects that may be introduced by a shakily hand-held camera.
     
    Lens Hoods
    These are optional but they are helpful when you want to block lens flare from ambient lights.
     
     
    Tips on How to Achieve Quality Shots
    -Reduce your camera's ISO setting. When taking a nightscape shot you should ensure that the ISO setting is at a lower level because it helps in reducing the high noise that accompanies images that are taken with increased ISO settings.
     
    -Turn on noise reduction function when taking long exposure night shots. This will save you from being compelled to use noise reduction software on the final image because these shots normally come with heightened levels of noise.
     
    -Set your SLR camera to "BULB" Mode- This mode enables you to maintain the exposure open for more than three seconds. Additionally, you should also use a remote release because it allows you to keep the exposure open in as long as you want. 
     
    -Keep the subject at the center of the image when zooming- This helps you to get a clear and sharp image because all the areas that are further from the center are blurred strongly and their details may not be distinguished. You can refine the quality of a zoomed shot by leaving an exposure time for a still shot before you zoom. 
     
    -Choose a bright object in a darker background when panning. You will be in a position to get a perfect shot because the shot will have a greater contrast between the subject and the background. 
     
    -Use smaller aperture and ISO when shooting during the day. Combining these two with neutral density filters during long exposure photography will help you to decrease the amount of light coming through the lens without altering the scene.
     
    This long exposure photography tutorial is presented by Best Photo. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and G+ for all our latest news, deals, tips and tricks as to enhance your photographic experience.
     
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