Photo gallery - Long exposures

Long exposure photography is an awesome way for photographers to snap amazing pictures that show the flow of time in just one shot. It involves using a slow shutter speed, which can be anywhere from a few seconds to hours, based on what look you're going for and the lighting. By leaving the camera's shutter open longer, photographers can create effects that you just can't get with regular exposure times.

One of the coolest things about long exposure photography is how it can turn everyday scenes into amazing pieces of art. Take moving water, like rivers or ocean waves, for example—it can look all silky and smooth, giving off a calm and otherworldly vibe that really pulls you in. This effect is especially stunning when you're shooting coastal landscapes.

Besides capturing water in motion, long exposure photography is great for showing clouds moving across the sky. With a slow shutter speed, clouds turn into wispy streaks, giving a dynamic feel and showing time passing. This approach can add depth and drama to landscape photos, boosting the overall vibe of the image.

Nighttime photography is another realm where long exposure shines brilliantly. When photographing cityscapes or starry skies, a longer exposure can illuminate the scene in ways that the naked eye might miss. Streetlights, car headlights, and even the trails of stars can create a breathtaking tapestry of light against the dark backdrop of the night sky. The result is often a vibrant and colorful display that captures the energy of urban life or the tranquility of a star-filled night.

Scroll down to view a gallery of long exposure photos

Here is a collection of images captured by yours truly over the years.

Fire dancer on a beach on Koh Samet, Thailand

Fireworks above the Albert Bridge in London, UK

Light trails of traffic by the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Germany

Silky smooth waters of the Vltava River flowing underneath the Charles Bridge in Prague, Czechia

Sleepy winter scene in Zakopane, Poland

Vltava River smoothly flowing past the Charles Bridge with the Old Town of Prague in the background, Czechia

The small picturesque village of Stadt Welhen sitting by the River Elbe, Germany

The historic city if Dresden by the smooth waters of the River Elbe during blue hour, Germany

Long pier branching out over the calm sea in Felixstowe, UK

Red post poking out from the tranquil waters of Bexhill, UK

Decorative lights leading to the Latvian National Opera in Riga, Latvia

Festive lights creating circle effects in Surin, Thailand

Romantic scene in Old Portsmouth, UK

Light trails of traffic racing past the iconic Saint Paul's Cathedral in London, UK

Pathway lit up by street lights in Krakow's Old Town, Poland

Futuristic looking scene on a walkway in the London Underground, UK

Misty waters flowing in and out of wooden posts and rocks in Felixstowe, UK

Millennium Bridge illuminated above the River Thames leading towards the Tate Modern gallery in London, UK

Metal post at sea in Felixstowe, UK

The River Thames smoothing running under Westminster Bridge by the Houses of Parliament in London, UK

Christmas lights on Gubałówka Hill in Zakopane, Poland

Light trails of a tram speeding past the Dancing House in Prague, Czechia

View of Prague from the Old Bridge Tower, Czechia

Skyscrapers of Vauxhall beneath the moving clouds above London, UK

Quant blue hour scene at Richmond Bridge in London, UK

Another important factor is the use of filters, particularly neutral density (ND) filters. These filters reduce the amount of light entering the lens, allowing for longer exposure times without overexposing the image. This is especially useful in bright daylight conditions, where long exposures would typically result in a washed-out photograph.

Conclusion

In conclusion, long exposure photography is a brilliant and versatile technique that opens up a world of creative possibilities for photographers. By skillfully manipulating light and time, artists can create images that evoke emotion, tell stories, and reveal the beauty of the world in ways that are both captivating and thought-provoking.

Whether capturing the gentle flow of water, the movement of clouds, or the vibrant lights of a city at night, long exposure photography continues to inspire and challenge photographers to push the boundaries of their craft.

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