Long exposure photography during the day might sound counterintuitive, but it's a technique that can transform ordinary landscapes into dreamy, ethereal masterpieces. As a landscape photographer, I've spent years experimenting with this technique, and I'm excited to share some insights that can help you create stunning, smooth images that capture the essence of movement and time.
Understanding Daytime Long Exposures
Long exposure photography isn't just for low light scenes. During the day, it's a powerful technique for creating images that blur motion, smooth out textures, and give landscapes a surreal, almost painterly quality. The key is understanding how to control light and movement.
Essential Equipment for Daytime Long Exposures
To get started, you'll need a few critical pieces of gear:
1. Neutral Density (ND) Filters
ND filters are absolutely crucial. These cool pieces of glass reduce the amount of light entering your lens, allowing you to use slower shutter speeds even in bright conditions. I exclusively use NiSi Filters (and yes, I'm an ambassador for them), but the principle remains the same across brands.
I recommend starting with a 6-stop or 10-stop ND filter. These will allow you to extend your shutter speed from fractions of a second to several minutes, creating those smooth, dreamy effects.
Camera and Tripod Setup
A sturdy tripod is non-negotiable. I use an Explorer tripod that can withstand wind and uneven terrain. My go-to camera is the Canon R5, but the principles apply to most modern cameras.
Pro tip: Use a remote shutter release or your camera's built-in timer to minimise any potential camera shake. Even the slightest movement can ruin a long exposure shot.
Selecting the Right Locations and Conditions
Not every landscape is ideal for long exposure. Look for scenes with moving elements like:
● Clouds
● Water (rivers, waterfalls, ocean)
● Grass or trees in the wind
● Changing light conditions
I love finding locations with interesting foreground elements that can create leading lines or add depth to the composition. It's a bit like selling real estate – you want to showcase the key elements that tell a story.
Mastering Camera Settings
For daytime long exposures, I typically:
● Use the lowest native ISO (usually 100)
● Select apertures between f/8 and f/16 for maximum depth of field
● Use manual mode for complete control
● Experiment with shutter speeds from 30 seconds to several minutes
The histogram is your best friend here. Always check to ensure you're not losing details in highlights or shadows.
Creative Composition Techniques
Composition can make or break a long exposure image. Consider these approaches:
1. Rule of Thirds: Place horizon lines or key elements along these imaginary grid lines.
2. Foreground Interest: Include rocks, trees, or water features to add depth.
3. Leading Lines: Use natural elements to guide the viewer's eye through the image.
Final Thoughts
Long exposure daytime photography is about patience, experimentation, and vision. Don't be afraid to break the rules and try something different. Sometimes the most compelling images come from happy accidents.
Keep an eye on my YouTube channel for more detailed tutorials on this technique. Lisa and I have just got back from a quick trip to the Snowy Mountains and made a YouTube video in which I demonstrate a daytime long exposure over a lovely little outback church and lots of other amazing sights. Happy shooting, and remember – you won't get a good photo sitting on the couch!