Use filters and exposure

Work with artistic exposure techniques and creative filter effects

Exposure effects are a popular route with landscape photographers, as they often require very little additional equipment. The most simple effects are created by lengthening the shutter speed, so that moving elements within the scene are blurred. The most obvious application is for rivers and waterfalls, where we can illustrate a contrast of softness in the blurred water and sharp detail of surrounding rocks. However, we can also generate blur by moving the camera or lens, relative to the subject, during an exposure. Panning blur, where the camera is pivoted, is useful for photos of shorelines or other flat landscapes, where there is more colour interest than detail. This finds potential in an otherwise empty landscape. Zoom blur is ideal for high- detail scenes, where multiple subjects may otherwise act as distractions. Simply rotate your lens’ zoom ring while the shutter is open, selecting a exposure of between 1/15 sec and 1 sec for the best results. meanwhile, software filters provide scope for experimentation with selective blurring and colour effects. While many filters can be simulated in Photoshop, the effects of hardware models such as polarisers cannot be so easily. The circular polariser is essential for removing ‘sheen’ from the surface of rocks and vegetation, deepening colour and contrast. Regardless of the technique or filter you use, it is imperative that it enhances a scene, rather than dominating it – the effect should complement the subject and never be the main focus of the shot.

“The circular polariser is essential for removing ‘sheen’ from the surface of rocks”

Below GIVE THE SCENE ENERGY Lengthen your exposure to create a view we never see – long shutter speeds create light trails from traffic and paint streaks of cloud colour across the sky

Right CAPTURE NATURAL COLOUR Longer exposures can also produce a painterly quality to light. Combine this with filters, such as polarisers, to cut through reflections and haze, to access punchy, natural hues