How to set up a long exposure

Setting up your camera for long exposures for the first time can feel a little complicated. There are several things you need to do to make sure the image comes out how you want it to. Firstly, you need to find a composition that works, ensuring there is water in the foreground for interesting reflections. Set up your Nikon on a sturdy tripod. I usually use Live View, as I find it easier to compose and focus the image. With the camera in Aperture Priority mode, set a narrow aperture, such as f/11, and a low ISO (the lower the better) and take a note of the shutter speed the camera has calculated; you need this to work out your exposure time once the filters are in place. I normally focus manually, zooming right in to check that the important parts of the image are sharp. Now attach the ND filter, ensuring image stabilization is off, and also turn Live View off. Cover the viewfinder to stop any light leaks – some Nikons have a viewfinder blind built in, while others come with a cap to block it. You can now calculate your exposure time, based on the shutter speed you noted down beforehand and the strength of the filter – or filters – you have used. There are a variety of smartphone apps that can help with these calculations. Switch the camera to Manual exposure mode and scroll the shutter speed setting to Bulb mode. A remote shutter release is highly recommended to avoid jogging the camera, ideally one that can be locked down. Hit the shutter release button and hold it down until the calculated exposure time has elapsed. Check you’re happy with the exposure on the rear LCD, adjusting the exposure time and retaking the shot if necessary.