Long Exposure in DSLR

To make you picture look different, long exposure is one of  the important options that you can think about. Some of the shots are very simple but will give a WOW result. We need to implement in right places. using longer shutter speed is also know as long exposure shots.


There is a triple constraint in photography that should always have to remember. ISO, Aperture and Shutter Speed. Mostly photographers play around with aperture and shutter speed. We are now going to see how to use shutter speed. Specifically on slower shutter speed. Timing of the camera's shutter opens is called shutter speed. Long-exposure photography is often used in a night shots.Leaving the shutter open for a longer time, more light is absorbed. You can see the shutter speed as  1/250, 1/125, 1/60 on your camera. What is the difference it will  to my picture if i take a picture in different shutter speed. Let us see this with a examples. 

Tripod is mandatory for taking a picture in slower shutter speed. The reason is simple. We cannot hold the camera lot time with our shaking hands. It is better to have a tripod when you shoot less than 1/200. But when it reduces less than a second, tripod is mandatory. Now we will get in shutter speed details. Can use use the camera in shutter priority mode.





Shutter speed - 1/500

If you see the above picture, this was taken on a higher shutter. That is 1/500 of a second. Camera was set on the tripod and taken at a faster shutter speed. This picture looks usual. So how can I give a different look to the same picture.So I took the same location with different shutter speed. See the difference. It is you who have to decide on how your picture look like.

Below are the pictures taken in different shutter speed. 2 seconds, 6 seconds, 13 seconds and 20 seconds respectively.Pictures speak more than words. Se see the below examples and find out what few things you can do with slow shutter speed.




Shutter speed - 2 second

Shutter speed - 6 second

Shutter speed - 13 second

Shutter speed - 20 second

Long exposure captures the passing lights of the vehicle in this picture.




Long exposure shots can be shot for capturing the motion in a different style. Few examples are 

• Water Fall - Example picture for water fall - 1/2 Seconds

Gives a silky look to the water. shutter speed must be set based on the force of the water.

• Beach - Example picture for beach - 1.3 Seconds

Give a cloudy effect to the waves. To add more drama try to add a stable object to the picture.

• Light drawing -  Example picture for Light drawing - 6 Seconds

Drawing in light is something that you can try indoor. But remember the drawing will be captures as mirror image by your cameras. Just flip it back to see your correct image.
You can try writing your name :)

Any moving object can be captured differently by using long exposures.
I have mentioned only few topics just for you to try. But creativity is the limit to use this. What are you waiting for get a tripod try these shots and share it.

Steps to remember in crisp

1. Get a tripod.
2. Better to set your camera in shutter priority mode.
3. Choose a location were there is moving light, water or object is avaible
4. Try different shutter speed.

My Flickr link which better resolution pictures
http://www.flickr.com/photos/carryonganesh/sets/72157627353075533/


Few websites that had some interesting long exposure pictures. These pictures will definitely inspire..

• http://www.pxleyes.com/blog/2009/06/50-beautiful-long-exposure-photos/
• http://www.digital-photography-school.com/long-exposure-photograph
• http://www.smashingapps.com/2009/12/12/45-breathtaking-examples-of-slow-shutter-speed-photography.html

Akalaivan (aka Ganesh Chandrasekaran)