Tamron Blogs

More Photo Tips | Video Gallery | Photo Gallery | Enewsletter sign-up

How to: Tamron Pro Tips For Daytime Long Exposure Photos


Tip #1) USE AN ND FILTER. Use an ND64 or ND1000 filter to avoid stopping down too much on the aperture to achieve slower shutter speeds.

Tip #2) SHOOT IN FULL MANUAL MODE. Shoot in full manual mode, not A, S, or P because you want to try different shutter speeds that will give you the best look for the flow of water without compromising your other settings. There isn’t one specific shutter speed, it will depend on the strength/speed/amount of water.


© Jose Mostajo
Click image to view larger

Tip #3) CHECK THE HISTOGRAM. After taking a photo you like, check the histogram/exposure warnings, and make sure the water isn’t blowing the highlights or is unrecoverable in post.

Tip #4) USE A TRIPOD. Put the camera on a tripod and use a two-second timer to avoid camera shake when pressing the shutter button. (Alternatively, use a cable-release or wireless remote).


© Jose Mostajo
Click image to view larger

Tip #5) USE A POLARIZER. Adding a polarizer filter to the ND filter will lessen the glare on the water that could stand out on a long-exposure photo.


© Jose Mostajo
Click image to view larger




More Photo Tips | Watch Videos | Learn More About Tamron Lenses | Photo Gallery