• PORTFOLIOS
  • AP Portfolios
  • Tutorials
  • Instagram
Blair Academy Photography

Blair Academy Photography

  • PORTFOLIOS
  • AP Portfolios
  • Tutorials
  • Instagram

How to Photograph Reflections Using Long Exposure

 By: Kate Gerdsen ‘20

2 sec, f/32, ISO 100

2 sec, f/32, ISO 100

In order for this tutorial to be successful, there are specific camera settings needed to result in the best quality reflection with the use of long exposure.

Using a slow shutter speed creates a smooth and compelling image, especially when paired with a reflection.

Materials:

  • A camera

  • A tripod

  • 1-2 neutral density filters that fit to your camera lens

Camera Settings:

Shutter speed: 1.6-5 seconds. Aperture: 26 or highest possible. ISO: 100

Shutter speed: 1.6-5 seconds. Aperture: 26 or highest possible. ISO: 100

Neutral Density Filter:

Helps tone down the brightness of a long exposure photo. Attach 1-2 depending on the exposure of the surrounding environment

Helps tone down the brightness of a long exposure photo. Attach 1-2 depending on the exposure of the surrounding environment

Procedure:

Set up the tripod with the camera angled towards a reflection. This tutorial will work effectively if there is some type of natural motion in the frame; for example, clouds moving or the rippling of water. Carefully click the shutter button to prevent the camera from shaking.

5 sec, f/36, ISO 100

5 sec, f/36, ISO 100

2.5 sec, f/25, ISO 100

2.5 sec, f/25, ISO 100

1.6 sec, f/29, ISO 100

1.6 sec, f/29, ISO 100

Mishaps:

The following photos did not turn out ideally because they are blurry due to the camera moving and slight overexposure.

IMG_2010.jpg
IMG_2047.jpg

Blair Academy Photography Powered by Squarespace.