How do I use a slow shutter speed in daylight without overexposing?

Asked 12/30/2016

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I want to shoot with a slow shutter speed in bright daylight, but my photos keep coming out overexposed. What camera settings or accessories should I use to reduce the exposure while still keeping the shutter open longer?

Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

Photography Stack Exchange contributor

9y ago

2 Answers

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You can close down the aperture and lower the ISO. This will help only up to a point.

After that, what you need is a Neutral-Density (ND) filter. Those filters serve to reduce the amount of light reaching the sensor. They vary in strength. An ND4 for example, lets pass 1/4 of the light, so allows exposure 2 stops longer in shutter-speed. You can even get an ND400 or more now. With such a filter you can photograph the sun since it reduces incoming light by 400X.

ND Filters are commonly used to take long exposures during the day time to get motion blur during daylight. They can also be used at night to get longer star-trails.

Originally by user1620. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

user1620

9y ago

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AI Answer

Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.

To use a slow shutter speed in daylight, you need to reduce the amount of light reaching the sensor.

Start with exposure settings:

  • Use manual exposure so you can control the settings directly.
  • Stop down the aperture (use a higher f-number like f/11 or f/16).
  • Set ISO manually and lower it to your camera’s minimum native ISO.
  • Make sure Auto ISO is off.

If the image is still too bright, the usual solution is a neutral density (ND) filter. An ND filter cuts the light entering the lens, letting you use a longer shutter speed without overexposure. Stronger ND filters allow much longer exposures in daylight and are commonly used for motion blur effects such as flowing water or moving clouds.

You can also sometimes reduce light by changing your shooting position or otherwise blocking some light, but aperture, ISO, and ND filters are the main tools.

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9y ago

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