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
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