Long exposure with ND filters: silky water and streaking clouds
Neutral density filters let you use slow shutter speeds in daylight. Learn which ND strength to buy and how to calculate exposure.
Photo by Orian Lev Ari on Unsplash
A neutral density (ND) filter is like sunglasses for your lens. It reduces light without changing color, allowing slow shutter speeds in bright conditions.
What you can do
- Turn waves and waterfalls into silky mist
- Make clouds streak across the sky
- Remove walking people from busy plazas and sites
- Use wide apertures for video in sunlight
Choosing strength
- ND8 (3 stops): subtle motion and video
- ND64 (6 stops): smooth water in daylight, around 1 to 4 seconds
- ND1000 (10 stops): exposures of 30 seconds to several minutes
Calculate exposure
Meter without the filter, then multiply. If your exposure is 1/60 without a filter, a 10-stop ND gives about 15 seconds. Apps like PhotoPills do the math.
Technique
- Compose and focus before attaching the filter.
- Use a sturdy tripod and a remote or timer.
- Cover the viewfinder to prevent light leaks.
- Shoot RAW: strong NDs can add a color cast you will correct later.
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