Long exposure photography transforms ordinary scenes into mesmerizing works of art — turning flowing waterfalls into silky ribbons, smoothing restless ocean waves, and painting clouds into soft, dreamlike streaks. While extending exposure times is simple in low light, shooting in bright daylight presents a challenge: there’s simply too much light hitting the sensor.

That’s where Neutral Density (ND) filters come in. Acting like sunglasses for your lens, they reduce the amount of light entering the camera without affecting color balance, allowing you to experiment with longer shutter speeds even under the sun.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to harness ND filters to create breathtaking long-exposure shots — from choosing the right filter strength to mastering exposure settings and achieving perfectly balanced compositions that capture the passage of time in a single frame.

Creating mesmerizing long-exposure shots isn’t just about mastering camera settings — it’s about having the right tools to support your vision. Here’s what every photographer should have when chasing those silky waterfalls and dreamy skies:

1. A Rock-Solid Tripod
Even the steadiest hands can’t hold a camera still for several seconds. A reliable tripod keeps your setup completely stable, preventing blur caused by tiny movements. For outdoor photographers, a lightweight carbon-fiber tripod strikes the perfect balance between strength and portability, making it easy to carry wherever inspiration strikes.

2. Neutral Density (ND) Filters
When shooting in daylight, too much light can wash out your image and limit your exposure time. ND filters act like sunglasses for your lens — reducing light intake so you can extend the shutter speed and capture motion in a beautifully smooth, cinematic way. Start with one or two filters and experiment by stacking them for stronger light control.

3. Remote Shutter Release
Pressing the shutter button by hand might seem harmless, but even a tiny vibration can ruin a long exposure. A remote shutter release or cable trigger lets you capture the shot without touching the camera, ensuring every frame is tack-sharp.

4. Light Sealing Cloth
When shooting in harsh sunlight, stray light can sneak through the viewfinder and affect your exposure. A simple light-blocking cloth over the camera’s back can eliminate these leaks, helping you maintain consistent results in every frame.

Long-exposure photography transforms ordinary scenes into dreamlike works of art — turning moving clouds into silky streaks, water into glass, and city lights into glowing trails. Using an ND (Neutral Density) filter gives you full control over motion and light, even in bright conditions. Here’s how to capture stunning long-exposure shots like a pro.

Step 1: Set Up a Stable Foundation

Mount your camera on a sturdy tripod to eliminate even the slightest vibration. Long exposures demand complete stability — a wobble as small as a breath can blur your entire image. Choose a flat, solid surface, and make sure all tripod legs are locked firmly in place.

Step 2: Compose with Motion in Mind

Long exposures work best when your frame includes both still and moving elements. Look for flowing water, drifting clouds, car trails, or waves to introduce motion contrast. Compose thoughtfully — balance your dynamic subject with a stable anchor in the scene for the best visual harmony.

Step 3: Disable Image Stabilization

When using a tripod, turn off your camera or lens stabilization (IS/VR/IBIS). These systems can cause subtle micro-movements while trying to correct nonexistent shake — resulting in unintended blur during long exposures.

Step 4: Set Your Focus Before Mounting the Filter

ND filters, especially high-density ones, significantly darken the viewfinder. Focus your shot before attaching the filter. You can use autofocus or manual focus depending on the subject, then switch to manual mode to lock focus in place.

Step 5: Take a Test Shot Without the Filter

Capture a test exposure to determine your base settings. Note your aperture, ISO, and shutter speed — you’ll use these to calculate your final long-exposure timing once the ND filter is in place.

Step 6: Attach the ND Filter

Carefully mount the ND filter onto your lens. Ensure it’s securely fitted to avoid light leaks during exposure. If you’re using a magnetic or square filter system, double-check that no gaps exist between the filter and adapter ring.

Step 7: Adjust Camera Settings

Switch to Manual Mode for full control.

ISO: Set the lowest possible value (ISO 100 or 200) to minimize noise.

Aperture: Choose between f/8–f/16 for optimal sharpness. Avoid extremely small apertures to reduce diffraction.

Shutter Speed: Calculate your new exposure time using your ND filter’s strength.

Formula:
Adjusted shutter = Base shutter × ND filter factor

Example:
If your base exposure is 1/60 sec and you’re using a 6-stop ND (factor 64), your new shutter speed will be roughly 1 second (1/60 × 64 = 1s).

You can also refer to our ND Filter Exposure Chart for quick conversions.

Step 8: Trigger Without Touching

Use a remote shutter release or your camera’s built-in timer to start the exposure without physically touching the camera. This eliminates vibration and ensures crisp, clear results.

Step 9: Capture the Motion — and Time It Right

Press the shutter and let the magic unfold. Monitor how fast elements like clouds or water move — you might need to experiment with different exposure durations to achieve the perfect flow and balance.

Pro Tip: Blend for Creative Control

If you want part of the scene to remain sharp (for instance, still trees but blurred clouds), shoot two versions:

A long-exposure shot with the ND filter to capture movement.

A short-exposure shot without the filter for crisp details.

Blend the two in post-processing to create a perfectly balanced composite where you control exactly which parts stay sharp or soft.

Final Thought

Mastering ND filters opens up a new dimension of creativity. From ethereal seascapes to cinematic skies, you’ll discover how slowing down time lets your camera capture motion the way your eyes never could. Experiment, refine, and let your vision flow with every second of exposure.

ND filters come in different strengths, measured in stops, which determine how much light they block. The right ND filter depends on the lighting conditions and the creative effect you want to achieve — there’s no single filter that fits every situation. Below is a quick guide to the most commonly used ND filters for long-exposure photography.

6-Stop ND Filter (ND64)

Perfect for reducing light under bright daylight conditions, a 6-stop ND filter strikes a balance between flexibility and control. It allows you to capture gentle motion blur in moving water, flowing clouds, or ocean waves without completely darkening the scene — an essential tool for daytime long exposures.

10-Stop ND Filter (ND1000)

For photographers who love dramatic long-exposure effects, the 10-stop ND filter is a must-have. It drastically reduces incoming light, enabling ultra-long exposures even in bright sunlight. This allows you to smooth turbulent waterfalls, soften rough seas, or paint silky cloud trails across the sky with striking visual impact.

3-Stop ND Filter (ND8)

The 3-stop ND filter is ideal for moderate lighting or situations where you only need a slight extension of exposure time. It helps you introduce subtle motion blur — for instance, in waterfalls or streams — while still preserving natural textures and details.

Neutral Density (ND) filters are more than just tools for controlling exposure — they are a photographer’s key to exploring the relationship between light and time. By extending the exposure, they transform fleeting moments into flowing works of art, rendering light and shadow soft, cinematic, and full of narrative. Here are some unique visual effects you can achieve with ND filters.