blurry waters with slow shutter speeds & nd filters

learn how to capture atmospheric shots of moving water with long exposures and neutral density filters

01 camera & lens

For this project we shot a picturesque waterfall that has fast-flowing water: ideal for a long-exposure shot. We’re using a full-frame Canon EOS 5D Mark III and shooting at a mid-range focal length on our Canon EF 24-70mm standard zoom lens.

04 low iso setting

On our 5D Mk III we can shoot at ISO50 (the 5D Mk IV, 5DS/R, 6D Mk II and 1D X Mk II also allow this) one stop slower than ISO100. But, even then, we could only get a shutter speed of 1/15 sec. Quite slow, but not enough for really smooth waters.

02 Tripod & remote

A tripod is essential for long exposures. If you shoot handheld with a slow shutter speed, you’ll get very shaky shots! We’re also using a remote control, as the act of pressing the shutter button can cause camera movement and unwanted blur.

05 nd filter

An ND filter is crucial as these dark filters block light reaching our sensor: extending our exposure, and increasing blur in moving water. NDS come in various strengths from 1-stop, 3-stop, but as it was daytime we used a B+W 1000x (10-stop) ND filter.

03 shooting mode

We’re shooting in Av mode with a narrow aperture to control depth of field for our scene. It’s best to shoot at f/16 (rather than f/22) for optimum image quality, while still reducing the light reaching our sensor for the slowest possible shutter speed.

06 expose & compose

As we’re in Av mode, with our ND filter on, our camera will simply adjust the shutter speed for a good exposure. Shooting in Live View with exposure simulation means you can see still your scene on the LCD too, ideal for when composing and focusing.