Long exposure, or time exposure photography is a technique of taking photos that involves exposing the image sensor of the camera to the light longer than usual. The result of this technique in photography is visually stunning as it creates magical effects to the scenes captured. Often used at night-time, long exposure is used to produce a photo with a near-daytime effect. This is because the camera’s shutter is open for a longer period thus, it absorbs more light and consequently producing a brighter image.

Because of its capability to create amazing shots, long exposure has found its application in photography arts such as light painting photography, waterscapes and cityscapes. When used on a moving body of water, long exposure can produce a dreamy or mist-like quality to the image. On a fast moving scenes of traffic on the other hand, the headlights and taillights of vehicles become streaks of colorful light.

To see exactly how exposure photography looks like, we are showcasing the breathtaking examples here. Also, because we anticipate that there is a likelihood that you will be interested to learn the techniques involved in this kind of photography, we are including a few simple to follow and effective tutorials as well. Enjoy!

Long Exposure Groin

Photo used under Creative Commons from redeye^

Startrails

Photo used under Creative Commons from Aitor Escauriaza

Mirror Pool (Trafalgar Square), London

Photo used under Creative Commons from flatworldsedge

Highway Insomnia

Photo used under Creative Commons from Nrbelex

Two columns

Photo used under Creative Commons from SergioTudela

Pyronale Team Österreich

Photo used under Creative Commons from Jule_Berlin

Icy waters

Photo used under Creative Commons from c e d e r

Teacups, Disneyland California

Photo used under Creative Commons from www.ericcastro.biz

Seascape Initiation

Photo used under Creative Commons from .Bala

Flatiron District, NYC

Photo used under Creative Commons from laverrue

Dolphin

Photo used under Creative Commons from SergioTudela

Behind the Haunted Wood

Photo used under Creative Commons from Neal.

30 Seconds of Sunrise

Photo used under Creative Commons from lrargerich

Schiermonnikoog lighthouse

Photo used under Creative Commons from Bert Kaufmann

Peace

Photo used with permission from the author.  All rights Reserved to Steve-h.

Annual photo

Photo used under Creative Commons from raindog

Felixstowe pier HDR

Photo used under Creative Commons from stevoarnold

This is a northbound train to Howard

Photo used under Creative Commons from PhotoDu.de

A very small waterfall

Photo used with permission from the author.  All rights Reserved to Steve-h.

Disney Illimunations

Photo used under Creative Commons from Express Monorail

Rushing to the sea

Photo used with permission from the author.  All rights Reserved to Steve-h.

Cause and effect

Photo used under Creative Commons from kennymatic

Heron on the weir

Photo used with permission from the author.  All rights Reserved to Steve-h.

Bright Atlanta

Photo used under Creative Commons from Nrbelex

Pinnacle Cove long exposure

Photo used under Creative Commons from kern.justin

Paths Long Exposed

Photo used under Creative Commons from Andreas Reinhold

Long exposure photo

Photo used under Creative Commons from John Whitworth Photography

Nightscapes

Photo used under Creative Commons from Jacob Wagner

How long is my exposure?

Photo used under Creative Commons from CJ Isherwood (tidying)

wet spin fast

Photo used under Creative Commons from harry harris

Long Exposure, 1st

Photo used under Creative Commons from “JT” Taylor

Knapp’s Castle, Electrified

Photo used under Creative Commons from BURИBLUE

2nd Long Exposure

Photo used under Creative Commons from “JT” Taylor

Racing Stars

Photo used under Creative Commons from Andrew Stawarz

Tower bridge wide

Photo used under Creative Commons from MSH*

Daylight infra-red long exposure at the desert

Photo used under Creative Commons from CowGummy

Paths longs exposed

Photo used under Creative Commons from Andreas Reinhold

Fontaines

Photo used under Creative Commons from fensterbme

Budapest

Photo used under Creative Commons from Peter Zeglis

Distances

Photo used under Creative Commons from Mac Oller

Long Exposure Photography Tutorials

 Introduction to Night Photography

Beginner Night Photography Tutorial – Learn to take advantage of dark nights and produce great photos with Peter Bargh of ePHOTOzine.

Long Exposure Photography (Light Trails) Video Tutorial

Simple and detailed tutorials on how to shot long exposure photographs.

Long Exposure Night Photography – Step By Step Guide

This article will show you how to use a technique called Long Exposure. Say good bye to harsh lighting and dark backgrounds. Sort of. This article will show you how to take pictures of night scenes with no moving objects. Tutorial courtesy of Adam Currie.

How to Take Long Exposure Shots in Daylight

In this video Scott Kelby demonstrates how to take long exposure photos – during the day. The image he takes is exposed for a whole 2 minutes at ISO 200 and at f/11.

Guide to Daytime Long Exposures

A small buying guide and photography tips to assist you in making the right purchases to photograph daytime long exposures. Using strong neutral density filters will allow you to shoot 1-5 minute exposures during the day depending on the conditions. If you’re bored with photography, neutral density filters are a great way to rejuvenate your hobby and get passionate again. It can be rewarding but also sometimes challenging as you’re forced to look at a scene from the perspective of how a long exposure will transform it. This guide should help guide you on what equipment you will need if you want to shoot daylight long exposure photography and a few photography tips on how to calculate the long exposure shutter speed. Courtesy of Alex Wise Photograpy.