Use Slow Shutter Speeds for Image Effects

Since the invention of the camera, photographers and audiences alike have been fascinated by the images resulting from slow shutter photography. Depending on the conditions, the images may be abstract whirls of light or a crude form of night vision, and there are countless variations of technique. Here are a few of the common methods for producing the best slow shutter images.

Steps

Simple Abstract Light Show

  1. Open the function or settings menu on your camera. There will usually be an option marked "long shutter", as well as controls for the length of the shutter opening. Set the shutter for about two seconds (less if it isn't completely dark), and choose the lowest possible ISO value.
  2. Place the camera on a flat surface such as a table and set the self-timer. Be sure you will be in view of thew lens.
  3. When the camera begins to take the picture, wave the flashlights (or other small light sources) around in a pattern.
  4. After the camera stops shooting, review your image.

Car and Streetlight Abstract Method

  1. Set the camera for long exposure as described in Step 1.
  2. Have your friend drive through town, preferably on a road with traffic, stoplights, and store advertisements.
  3. Hold the camera up to the window and begin taking pictures. The movement and vibration of the car will create one-of-a-kind images with jagged streaks and beams of light
  4. Keep taking pictures, experimenting with different angles and shutter times to get the most interesting effects.

Crude Night Vision

  1. Set the shutter to 5 or more seconds, depending on how much light is available.
  2. Place camera on a flat surface or tripod and aim at the subject.
  3. Set the self-timer and press the shutter button.
  4. Let go of the camera, being careful not to knock it astray.
  5. Allow the picture to take.
  6. Finished.

Tips

  • It's easier if you have some friends to add more lights and make the Simple Abstract Light Show more interesting.
  • These methods work best when it is dark out because the long exposure will otherwise amplify normal daylight to the point that it washes out the rest of image.
  • The Crude Night Vision only works with landscapes, cityscapes, and other large inanimate subjects. It will not capture motion as anything other than a blur, and will not work in total darkness.

Warnings

  • Be sure you have plenty of room to move in the dark, especially if people are flailing around with lights.

Things You'll Need

  • Digital Camera (all methods)

For Simple Abstract Light Show

  • A dark room or street
  • Tripod, table, or other flat surface
  • Flashlights, glowsticks, and other small lights
  • Some friends (optional)

For Car and Streetlight Abstract Method

  • A car, truck, or other motorized vehicle
  • A friend or adult who can drive
  • A bright stretch of city street or freeway

For Crude Night Vision

  • A landscape or cityscape (early sunrise and late sunset give best results)
  • A tripod, table, or other flat surface

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