Landscape and long exposure photography advice

[T1berious]

Hello!

So I'm looking at the "what next?" on my photography journey and I'm looking at doing some long exposure work.

As I understand it, you need / want a filter that can drop down 10 stops for long exposure.

So I've looked at the LEE100 system and giving that some serious thought.

Already got a tripod but I didn't want to get any new lenses right now as I figure my Sigma 18 - 50mm f2.8 would be a good starting point.

I hope some photographers here can offer some useful hints and tips.

Cheers,

T1b

[Tony1963]

Activate the shutter without touching the camera. I use a phone app, but any remote or cable is better than pressing the shutter. If you can’t, activate the shutter delay.

You only need the big stoppers if you’re after long exposures, for example to create milky effects with flowing water, strange cloud effects etc. Be aware that most ‘effects’ become boring and samey quite quickly.

[T1berious]

Tony1963 said:

Activate the shutter without touching the camera. I use a phone app, but any remote or cable is better than pressing the shutter. If you can t, activate the shutter delay.

You only need the big stoppers if you re after long exposures, for example to create milky effects with flowing water, strange cloud effects etc. Be aware that most effects become boring and samey quite quickly.

Cheers Tony,

I've got a Bluetooth remote release, so apart from the Filter, holder and lens adapter. I think I've got most of the kit I need.

Doing a trip to St Andrews in a few weeks and I'm hoping the weather holds out and I get some good long exposure shots on the beach.

I'm also going to Iceland in November so hopefully will get a chance to do some good landscape pics.

[steveatesh]

I have the Lee 10 stop Big Stopper, and the circular polariser too.

It does produce excellent results but I ve found the polariser adds a little tint so requires removing in post.

You need a damned good tripod especially if it s slightest bit windy, remove any straps from the camera before activating the shutter.

I use a remote or sometimes the 2 second timer.

I used to use the Lee App for accurate shutter speed when I had a DSLR but with my Sony Mirrorless I have found I dont need it.

Most of the time the Sony will autofocus even with the filter on the camera, but not always so I end up getting focus, put the filter on, get exposure right and take the shot.

Depending upon your camera you will need a timer of some description if you go beyond 30 seconds (bulb mode), eg a very long exposure sea scape etc.

In terms of use, they do allow for more creativity especially on dull days at the coast and shooting for black and white for example, or windy days and the clouds etc etc.

I find it more restrictive going for waterfall exposures when you need 1/4 of a second or thereabouts although it is possible with adjusting other settings on the camera - really I should get some other filters I suppose!

Enjoy.

[T1berious]

Cheers Steveatesh,

I've got a Sony 6700 but I look forward to getting the LEE 100 system this week and giving it a try when I'm up in Scotland.

I've got a travel tripod but as long as I don't use the final extensions its pretty stable. Worst comes to the worst I can use the camera bag as a weight to stabilise it.

Thanks for the tips!

Cheers,

T1b