SHOOTING STEPS
1
LOCATION PREPARATION Whether it’s Paris, Venice or New York, plan in advance using the multitude of apps available. Know your transport links and accessibility (Citymapper and Google Maps), weather forecast, sunrise/sunset timings and positioning (TPE and PhotoPills).
2
FIND SOME STABILITY I chose to shoot this cityscape just minutes after sunset at blue hour, so due to low light levels and the lengthy long exposure using a sturdy tripod was essential. But we don’t always want to carry heavy tripods around a city with us so choose your kit wisely.
3
PREPARE YOUR COMPOSITION Use a wide-angle lens to ensure a mix of negative space and skyline coverage. 16mm to 35mm range is ideal but be aware of lens distortion at the wider end – switch to live view and ensure there is enough sky to capture long exposure cloud movement, and check the horizon.
4
EXPOSURE READINGS Capture maximum contrast from the highlights and lowlights in the scene. Attach your filter holder to your chosen lens. Select your focus point and take your exposure readings. I use Aperture Priority, f/11 and the lowest ISO possible to maintain sharpness throughout the scene and meter from the mid-tones. Finally, lock the focus point.
5QUICKLY
TAKE YOUR LONG EXPOSURE Move – the light is changing all the time. Attach a cable release, and calculate your exposure time using an exposure chart or app from your filter manufacturer (I use Formatt Hitech Glass). Insert your grad (3-stop) and ND (10-stop) filters. Switch to Bulb and take the shot.
6
CHECK YOUR HISTOGRAM Always review the histogram before and after taking the shot to ensure you haven’t blown the highlights. Readjust and reshoot if necessary and if time and light allows. I often underexpose the shot to ensure maximum drama but be careful you don’t lose details.