ND Filters and Long Exposures

Learn how to optimise use of circular polarisers and ND filters for long exposures in the landscape.

Level: Beginner and Intermediate
Date: 1 July 2023 (back up date is Saturday 22 July)
Time: 3.30pm – 5.00pm
Cost: $170
Instructor: Seng Mah
Location: Lesmurdie Brook and Lesmurdie Falls
Maximum participants: 6

If you’ve always wanted to understand how to use ND (Neutral Density) filters and shoot long exposures, then come and join us for this hands-on workshop where you’ll learn how to capture long exposures of cascades and waterfalls in Lesmurdie.

We’ll demystify the ND numbers for you, so that you can learn how to use these filters without getting too stuck on the formulas and calculations. We’ll also show you why it’s important to use a circular polarising filter when you’re shooting at or near water.

We’ll start off by looking at regular exposures — those taken without fillters, before we look at the effect filters have on your exposures and on creating long exposure blur in your pictures. Then, we’ll head off to photograph the cascades of Lesmurdie Brook and finish off with shooting Lesmurdie Falls, which should be pumping given all this rain we’ve had in Perth.

This workshop also covers tips on composing long-exposure landscape images: what works, what doesn’t, and why!

Come and learn how to get creative with long exposures!

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

A DSLR or interchangeable lens camera, with spare battery (long exposures chew up battery life).
Lenses with a wide to mid-range focal length range eg. 18-55mm, 18-135mm, 24-70mm, 24-105mm and similar.
ND (Neutral Density) filters for your lens. We suggest you use at least two filters — an ND1000 and an ND32.
Circular Polarising (CPL) filter.
A stable tripod that is easy for you to use.
A cable release with a switch/button that allows you to lock the shutter (or you can use the 2-second timer on your camera, or your camera app on your smart phone — but you’ll need to make sure you know how to use this app before the workshop).
Weather appropriate clothing and insect repellant.

This workshop is weather-dependent. If it is raining on the nominated day of the workshop, the back-up date of this workshop is Saturday 22 July. Please make sure you are available on both dates before you book this workshop.