Make sure you buy the filter that fits your lens. This filter is I use to to take long exposures during the day. If you want to see a big result than start with a 10 stop.
Pro Tip: Buy a 82mm and buy a step town filter ring so you can use it if you upgrade your lens.
Intervalometer - Use this as a remote trigger and to do time-lapse photography. *Get the version for your camera brand.
I use these triggers for light painting because they are small and I can hand hold it. A trick is to wear a glove and put the trigger in your hand and trigger it when you fold your hand.
Understanding NEUTRAL DENSITY FILTER
Optical Density Number = Stops = Amount of Light Reduced ( See below)
- 0.3 = 1 Stop = 1/2
- 0.6 = 2 Stops = 1/4
- 0.9 = 3 Stops = 1/8
- 1.2 = 4 Stops = 1/16
- 1.8 = 6 Stops = 1/64
- 3.0 = 10 Stops 1/1024
So, for every stop of ND filter, you halve the amount of light entering the camera. When the light is halved, to maintain the same exposure, you need to double your shutter speed. Add another ND stop; double the shutter speed again.
PRO TIP : FORGET THE DECIMAL POINTS, AND JUST DIVIDE THE NUMBER BY 3 EXAMPLE: AN ND 0.6 FILTER WOULD BE: 6/3 = 2 STOP
When to use an ND Filter
When you have a static subject with motion surrounding it or a use a long exposure to:
- Convey the passing of time
- Blur Motion and Clouds
- Capture Moving Water
- Enhance Reflections
- Create Car Trails
- Remove Distracting Elements
If you are using 100 ISO and F/16 and still want a longer exposure then use an ND Filter.
HOW TO USE A FILTER
- Find composition
- Set up camera on the tripod
- Suggested settings. ISO: 100 & F/11 and a shutter speed that makes the exposure reader = 0.
- Use Auto Focus then put in Manual Focus to lock it in or Back Button Focus
- Add the filter
- Adjust the length of time till the exposure reader = 0.
- If you need help figuring out the settings: Use App like Nisi ND Calculator or Photo Pill’s Exposure Feature to find your proper exposure. ( You will use the test shot settings to figure out the new settings)
- Cover view finder to prevent light leak
- Use 2 second delay or remote trigger to fire the camera
SET UP
- Shoot Raw & Manual
- Remote trigger or 2 sec. timer
- ISO - 50 or 100
- Aperture f/11 *Be Aware of Diffraction
- Use Live Mode
- Use Exposure Meter to dial in shutter speed get a proper exposure
Intentional Camera Movement Tips
Use a Slow Shutter Speed - To introduce blur, set a slower shutter speed. Start with 1/10 or slower, depending on how pronounced you want the blur to be and the amount of available light. Remember, the slower the shutter, the more motion blur you’ll capture. If you want your subject to be burned in to the scene, leave it in place longer. If you want more blurred effect, move the camera quicker
Panning for Motion Blur - Track your subject as it moves across your frame. This technique keeps the subject relatively sharp while blurring the background, emphasizing movement. A shutter speed between 1/15 and 1/60 usually works well for panning.
Zoom Blur - With a zoom lens, try zooming in or out during a long exposure to create a radial blur effect. This can make your subject feel like it’s in motion or create a dynamic, surreal feel around it. I found using a 24-105 can give great results because of the range.
Intentional Camera Shake (ICM) -Move the camera slightly while the shutter is open to create abstract patterns. This works especially well with lights at night or colorful landscapes. Experiment with different movement patterns—horizontal, vertical, circular, or even diagonal.
Add ND Filters for Longer Exposure- In bright conditions, neutral density (ND) filters help keep the shutter open longer without overexposing the shot, allowing you to capture controlled blur even in daylight.
BLUE HOUR
- Beautiful quality of light that happens about 30mins before sunrise and after sunset
- Balanced light that is soft and low contrast.
- Great for cityscapes because you can balance the sky and the glow of the city lights
- Opportunity for creative effects: capturing car trails, clouds blur & water blur with out filters
Light Painting Landscapes
- Expose for ambient light ( background )
- Add light source and adjust it so it is not over powering
- Angle of light 45 degrees to 90 degrees from the camera ( not from right behind the camera)
- Think of quality of light (Soft VS Hard)
- Use a constant/video light source to paint your subject.
- Count how long you are painting with the video light so you can add to it or subtract it if you don't like the effect
LIGHT PAINTING PORTRAITS
- Be aware of ambient light constantly hitting your subject. Dark areas are recommended.
- In dark environments where you are creating the only light- you can leave the shutter open for longer (Example. 5 - 60 seconds)
- In brighter environments like city streets you will have to do faster shutter speeds because you will motion if your subject moves. ( Example. 1 - 10 seconds)
- Add a flash to light up your subject. I use a speed light on manual mode- Try the settings to 1/64th power and hit the red test button. And then if you need more light adjust the power
- Ask your subject to stay very still
- Wear black and move through the exposure while putting the light infront of you towards the camera.