Long exposure photography turns ordinary scenes into ethereal, artistic visuals. By capturing the passage of time in a single frame, this technique reveals motion and light in beautiful, surreal ways. From soft, flowing waterfalls to glowing cityscapes at night, long exposure helps photographers create dramatic effects that go beyond what the eye can see.
What Is Long Exposure Photography?
Technically, long exposure involves keeping your camera’s shutter open longer than usual—often for 1 second or more. This extended exposure time allows moving elements like water, cars, clouds, or stars to blur or trail, while stationary objects remain sharp. It’s a creative way to add emotion, energy, or tranquility to your shots.
Key Camera Settings and Gear:
- Shutter Speed: Use slow speeds like 1, 5, or 30 seconds depending on the scene.
- ISO: Keep it low to reduce digital noise.
- Aperture: Use a small aperture (high f-stop) for sharpness and better light control.
- Tripod: A must-have to prevent blur from camera shake.
- Neutral Density (ND) Filter: Essential for shooting long exposures in daylight without overexposure.
Can You Do Long Exposure with a Smartphone?
Yes! Modern smartphones, combined with long exposure apps, can create stunning results. While a DSLR or mirrorless camera offers more precision, smartphones provide a flexible and accessible way to explore long exposure photography—perfect for beginners and mobile creators.
Best Apps for Long Exposure Photography
- Slow Shutter Cam (iOS): Offers Motion Blur, Light Trails, and Low Light modes. Great when paired with a tripod.
- Spectre Camera (iOS): AI-powered app that stabilizes shots and removes crowds. Ideal for light trails or smooth water effects.
- ProCamera (iOS) / ProShot (iOS & Android): Gives full manual control for advanced users.
- Camera FV-5 (Android): A DSLR-style app offering full control over shutter speed and ISO.
- Lightroom Mobile (iOS & Android): Allows RAW shooting and simulated long exposure through editing and photo stacking.
Mobile Long Exposure Tips
Try subjects like moving water, light trails, or busy city scenes to get creative results.
Use a tripod or a stable surface to avoid blur.
Enable the timer or use a remote shutter to reduce vibrations.
Switch to manual or pro mode for full control.