Long exposure - creative ideas for great photos

Take night shots with long exposure

The typical application of long exposure is night photography.

Find a motif that is rigid and does not move. When moving, blurring occurs immediately.
Depending on the environment and light, you should choose an exposure time of 3-15 seconds. However, test higher values and decide for yourself how the picture works best.
The most important thing in your picture is the tripod. Be sure to use this, as images from your hand will shake immediately with long exposure times.
Tip: You can also use a remote release or the camera's 2-second timer to prevent camera shake when triggered.

Your picture looks particularly interesting if it looks lively and bright. Cars at night are ideal for this.

Find a place where you can safely take photos. This can be a freeway bridge or a sidewalk.
Your picture should appear as dynamic as possible. Make sure that the road has curves.
Choose a very long exposure time of 20-30 seconds and wait until enough cars drive through the picture. These now leave a colored tail.

You can easily understand the principle of car tails: Use standard LED lights or a flashlight.

With an exposure time of 30 seconds you have enough time, for example to write a text or do light painting.
Stand in front of the camera and draw your desired motif with the light source.
If you have an LED chain, you can, for example, stick it to a dismantled bicycle wheel and thus create creative circles or domes.
You can also use the same construction to pull long tubes. Simply turn the wheel and run straight ahead. Of course, your body should not cover the LED lights.

If you have the opportunity to take photos in a locked and secure area, we have a great idea for you: steel wool!

First, take care of yourself and your surroundings. There should be nothing flammable in the immediate vicinity. Also protect your eyes and hands.
Stuff a little steel wool (size 0, no additives) into an old whisk.
Tie the whisk to a long, fireproof cord.
Now you can ignite the steel wool and whirl the whisk around you.
With an exposure time of 15-30 seconds, sparks will fly away from you.

You can also improve your landscape photos with our tips.