Achieving long exposure magic with ND6 and ND10 filters

Long-exposure photography is a captivating art form that allows you to create dreamy, surreal, and dramatic images. It’s all about capturing the passage of time in a single frame. You’ll need the right tools to achieve this, and ND (Neutral Density) filters are your best allies. In this post, we’ll explore how to achieve long exposures using ND6 and ND10 filters.

Understanding ND filters

ND filters are like sunglasses for your camera lens, reducing the amount of light that enters it. This reduction in light allows you to slow down your shutter speed, resulting in stunning long-exposure shots. ND filters are labeled with different densities, often referred to as ND2, ND4, ND6, ND10, etc., which represent the amount of light they block. In this post, we’ll focus on ND6 and ND10 filters, which reduce the light by 6 stops and 10 stops, respectively. The images in this post were created using OKKO ND Filters.

Gear you’ll need

1. Camera: Any DSLR or mirrorless camera with manual settings will work. I used a Sony A7RV and Tamron 28-75mm lens
2. Tripod: A stable platform is crucial for avoiding camera shake. I use the Peak Design Travel Tripod
3. ND Filters: For this guide, you’ll need ND6 and ND10 filters. The OKKO magnetic filters are fantastic
4. Remote Shutter Release: This will help eliminate any residual camera shake. Alternatively, use a 2-second delay
5. Lens Cleaning Kit: To keep your lens spotless. Especially around salt water.

Setting up

1. Attach Your Camera to a Tripod: Set up your camera on a sturdy tripod. Ensure it’s level and stable.
2. Clean Your Lens: Wipe your lens clean with a microfiber cloth to avoid any smudges or spots.
3. Set Your Camera to Manual Mode: Switch your camera to manual (M) mode, so you have full control over your settings.

Exposure settings

1. ISO: Use the lowest native ISO setting (usually 100 or 200) to maintain image quality.
2. Aperture: Select a small aperture (high f-number), like f/11 or f/16, to maximize the depth of field and keep your entire scene in focus.
3. Shutter Speed: With an ND6 filter, your shutter speed will need to be 6 stops slower than your camera’s metered reading. With an ND10 filter, it’ll be 10 stops slower.

Calculating shutter speed

To calculate your new shutter speed, you can use smartphone apps or online calculators designed for ND filter photography. They’ll take your current shutter speed without the filter and calculate the adjusted time with the filter.

• Final shutter speed = Base shutter speed x 2ⁿ (n is the stop value of ND filter)
• 6-stop ND: Final shutter speed = Base shutter speed x 60
• 10-stop ND: Final shutter speed = Base shutter speed x 1000

Composition and creativity

Once you’ve dialed in your settings and attached the appropriate ND filter, it’s time to get creative:

1. Compose your shot carefully, considering how elements in your frame will be affected by the long exposure.
2. Use moving elements like water, clouds or traffic to create mesmerizing effects.
3. Experiment with different shutter speeds to achieve the desired level of motion blur.
4. Don’t forget to use a remote shutter release or your camera’s timer to avoid camera shaking when triggering the shutter.
5. Review and adjust: After taking the shot, review the image on your camera’s LCD screen and make any necessary adjustments to exposure settings or composition.

Conclusion

With ND6 and ND10 filters, you can delve into the world of long-exposure photography and unlock the magic of capturing time in a single frame. By mastering these techniques, you’ll open up a realm of creative possibilities and produce breathtaking images that tell unique visual stories. So grab your gear, experiment, and unleash your artistic potential through long-exposure photography Achieving Long Exposure Magic with ND Filters.