What is a long exposure? A photographic method that utilizes a lengthy shutter speed to capture the movement of a subject, or to capture images in dark situations, such as nighttime.
Think back to Motion Control. Long exposures (like blur motion images) capture movement.
The longer the shutter is open the brighter the exposure and the more captured movement.
This technique can be useful for: 1. Night Photography 2. Light Painting 3. Multiple Exposures 4. Daytime long exposure photos
Photo by MumbleyJoe
Night Photography
Long Exposure is often used in a night-time setting in order to produce a near daytime effect in the photo.
By leaving the camera's shutter open for an extended period of time, more light is absorbed, creating a brighter image.
If the camera is stationary (using a tripod) for the entire period of time that the shutter is open, a very vibrant and clear photograph can be produced.
Photo by BurBlue
Light Painting
In this technique, a scene is kept very dark and the photographer or an assistant takes a light source and moves it about in patterns.
The movement of the light creates what looks like strokes of light.
Since it's dark, the person moving the light source will not be captured by the camera.
The light source can be turned off between strokes for an added effect.
Often, stationary objects in the scene are illuminated by briefly turning on studio lights.
by Liesa Collins
Multiple Exposures
Long exposures can be used to create multiple Exposure by flashing a subject with an external light source, multiple times while the shutter is open.
Since the shutter is still open it will capture blur, so it is important that the subject freeze prior to the flash.
by Stu Worrall
Daytime Long Exposures
Long exposures can be used in the daytime to depict motion in an image.
This is often done while photographing water, to show the movement of the water.
Since it's much brighter in the daytime, to prevent over exposure with long shutter speeds, a special neutral density filter (ND filter) may be needed.
STUDENT WORK
The Project:
For this assignment you will be light painting in the studio using light sources you have brought in. You will need to work together to create an interesting image; one person will depress the shutter, one person will flash external lights, and one person will "draw."
Directions:
Set camera to manual shooting mode.
ISO setting should be 800 to make the camera sensor more "light aware."
A Deep depth of field must be achieved by setting your camera to a high F-stop like F11, F16, or F22.
Auto focus with the lights on, then switch lens to manual focus before turning the lights out again. Paint with light!
Requirements: Each student must submit TWO images that effectively demonstrate the techniques examined in class. Composition will be heavily considered when graded. Consider combining techniques.
One image must use light painting
One image must use any other technique
(the only one completed at school will be multiple exposure, feel free to do one of the others at HOME for project completion).
You may combine techniques if you wish.
Long Exposure Rubric: 10: Submission | Turned in on time in proper format, used class time wisely 20: Composition |Composition is aesthetically pleasing, paid attention to compositional elements 20: Exposure | Demonstrated knowledge of the exposure triangle 25: Technique | Long Exposure technique was utilized properly 15: Craftsmanship | Picture is crisp, color corrected and care was taken to achieve the best image possible 10: Watermark | Watermark placed on all images TOTAL 100