How to: Pro Tips For Daytime Long Exposure Photos

Images and Tips by Jose Mostajo

Daytime long exposure photography offers a unique way to capture motion and create ethereal effects in bright conditions. When paired with the versatility of Tamron lenses, you can achieve remarkable clarity and depth, transforming everyday scenes into breathtaking images.

Whether you’re capturing flowing water or cloud movement, Tamron lenses provide the sharpness and quality needed to elevate your daytime long exposure shots.

TIP 1: USE A NEUTRAL DENSITY (ND)  FILTER

Use an ND64 or ND1000 filter to avoid stopping down too much on the aperture to achieve slower shutter speeds.

TIP 2: SHOOT IN FULL MANUAL MODE

Shoot in full manual mode, not A, S, or P because you want to try different shutter speeds that will give you the best look for the flow of water without compromising your other settings. There isn’t one specific shutter speed, it will depend on the strength/speed/amount of water.

TIP 3: CHECK THE HISTOGRAM

After taking a photo you like, check the histogram/exposure warnings, and make sure the water isn’t blowing the highlights or is unrecoverable in post.

TIP 4: USE A TRIPOD

Put the camera on a tripod and use a two-second timer to avoid camera shake when pressing the shutter button. (Alternatively, use a cable-release or wireless remote).

TIP 5: USE A POLARIZER

Adding a polarizer filter to the ND filter will lessen the glare on the water that could stand out on a long-exposure photo.

Learn about Tamron Lenses at an authorized Tamron dealer in your area or visit the TAMRON Store today.

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