While in New York City and Jesse and Mark recently, we walked toward the water to photograph some boats and stuff. I set up my camera ready for some long exposures. When I use my Neutral Density filter, I also use the Promote Control to set the exact time required.
In the first photograph you will see smooth water thanks to the two minute shutter speed during use of the 10-stop Neutral Density filter.
In the second photograph you will notice a similar photograph and result, but with one problem. The boat in this photo was too light and/or not anchored the same way so the boat was bouncing up and down with the current. That ruined the photo because in a two-minute exposure, the boat is blurry.
Just to point out, it wasn’t the Neutral Density filter that ruined the photograph. It’s the boat. Here is my takeaway: When setting up for a long exposure, and if the exposure is long enough that you don’t want to waste your time, do a small test. Adjust the exposure for a shorter shutter speed just to make sure you won’t have this problem. I was fortunate enough that it was only two minutes wasted. I was also fortunate that I could blog about this oversight and share my mistake with everyone.
I would rather waste two minutes than thirty. Thanks for reading and happy shooting,
Scott
Steve Beal
20 Apr 2011I’ve been running into this as well… Water is definitely a prime target for ND-10 and I’ve had blurring problems with docks, boats, gulls, etc… I like your idea of testing first if you’re not sure.
Scott
20 Apr 2011Thanks Steve. A short test is much better than a lot of wasted time.
Brian Matiash
20 Apr 2011There is a solution that works and is fairly straightforward – I’ll often times get my long exposure and if I see certain elements moving (and it degrades the shot), I’ll take my filter off and get a good exposure of that moving element.
I’ll then mask it in later in Photoshop and do some necessary exposure blending to make sure it all fits together.
There is always more than one way. :)
Scott
20 Apr 2011Totally. Great solution!
Jesse Pafundi
20 Apr 2011Ha I remember how bummed you were that this shot went wrong. Good tip by Brian though, may have to try that.
Scott
20 Apr 2011I think got a regular exposure of as well. I might have to use Brian’s tip if I did.
Brian Furbush
20 Apr 2011Good tip by Brian – and nice demonstration how to be careful with water & ND10 images.
Scott
20 Apr 2011Thank you very much
Rob
20 Apr 2011Two great suggestions – and now Brian can make a little tutorial for us all on his blending technique :)
Scott
20 Apr 2011Thanks Rob. I hope he does!
Mark Garbowski
20 Apr 2011I have a very similar shot from that location and day, and thought that the blurry boat in mine bordered on being interesting, but not quite. Maybe I’ll try the masking thing.
Scott
21 Apr 2011Please share your version Mark!
Mark Garbowski
1 May 2011I just shared my version today: http://toomuchglass.net/index.php/2011/05/01/out-of-phase/
Scott
1 May 2011Going to check it out now!