Getting all set for a Big Stopper

With ND filters you need to have a disciplined approach, to ensure you do everything right so that your super-long exposures come out right first time. With each shot requiring minutes to take, you don’t want to waste one with a careless mistake. These are the steps Jeremy uses…

1 “Set up the shot as if it was a normal exposure. Use a grad if necessary. Set exposure in Manual, and set the focusing.”

2 “Take a test shot to double-check exposure and focusing.”

3 “Turn autofocus off, if you are using an AF lens.”

4 “Turn optical image stabilisation off on the lens, if it has it.”

5 “Insert the Big Stopper (or other ND) in the filter slot nearest the lens.”

6 “Cover up the eyepiece of your DSLR (not necessary if using a CSC).”

7 “Set the shutter speed to the Bulb (or B) setting.”

8 “Calculate the increased exposure necessary with the ND filter you are using. I do the sums in my head using my fingers to count – but there is a free Lee Filters Stopper Exposure app that will do the sums for you.”

9 “Use a cable release to start the exposure – I use a Nikon MC-30.”

10 “Time the exposure. I use the timer on my mobile phone – so I get an audible alarm for when to end the exposure. The Lee Filters Stopper Exposure app has a built-in timer.”