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Learning how to shoot long exposure photographs is a great way to add some motion and experimentation into your work. Whether it is day or night, there are a couple of items that will be very helpful in ensuring you get the shot you are aiming for.
Tripod
A tripod is definitely the most important tool to have for taking long exposure photographs, it’s doesn’t necessarily need to be a traditional three legged tripod but you want something that will truly stabilize your camera and be fairly adjustable. Make sure the tripod is rated for at least the weight of the equipment you will be using. You also should consider trying to get a lightweight and compact, but tall, tripod if you can afford to.
Tripod Head
You want a tripod head that can hold the weight of your camera, lens, and any attached accessories. That might seem obvious but it is still very important to keep in mind when purchasing a tripod head. The other most important thing is to use a tripod head that you are comfortable with using, adjusting, and locking down for stability. For photography there are mainly just ball heads and 3-way heads. I have always used a 3-way head since it allows you to adjust individual angles while keeping other angles locked in, but this is just what I’m used to and I know that the fluidity of a ball head can definitely save you some time if you get used to it. Quick release is also incredibly important and definitely important for the next item.
L Bracket
An L Bracket seems like an awesome tool I’ve never really gotten to use before, I don’t currently have a tripod head that is compatible with the same style quick release. It may seem like a really simple piece of metal that gets screwed into the bottom of your camera, but it’s main purpose is to allow you to mount your camera vertically or horizontally onto your tripod head. Without this you are limited in how you shoot vertically on a tripod, your flexibility of movement is greatly decreased and it is just not as fun to shoot when all you can do is tilt up and down. A L Bracket also keeps your camera centered over the tripod and therefore more stable.
Remote Shutter Release
When you are shooting long exposures, you don’t want to touch your camera if at all possible. If you want to use your camera’s timer you have to touch the camera, with a remote shutter release you can step back and out of the way and keep shooting. Most have other features worth exploring as well. You are definitely going to want to make sure to get one that specifically works for your camera.
Neutral Density Filters
Want to shoot long exposures during the day? Get some neutral density filters, they block out a certain number of stops off light, allowing you to shoot longer exposures during the day. They also allow you to shoot with a larger aperture in bright sunlight. Consider getting a couple of different ones for your lens or lenses. There are also variable density filters available as well, which might be a good place to start. Make sure to get the correct size for your lens. Definitely do a little extra research if you are considering going in this direction and plan to spend a bit of money for high quality neutral density filters.
2 Bonus items I would consider getting would be a bubble level for your hotshoe and an external light meter to really calculate and dial in your exposure.
Getting into shooting long exposure photos can be a lot of fun if you have the right equipment for the task. Have fun and go out and shoot!
Also be sure to have these: 5 Photo Accessories