Long Exposure Landscape at Anjafa Beach
My First Trial to Long Exposure Landscape using a Neutral Density Filter
Written on the 18th of December, 2022
From the moment I embarked on my photography journey, I've been captivated by the mesmerizing world of long-exposure photography. This enchanting technique transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary, creating ethereal scenes—where water flows like silk, vibrant trails of light dance through the air, and clouds drift gracefully in a dream-like state.
Eager to capture these magical effects in a long-exposure image during daylight, I initially felt overwhelmed. However, my path became clear when I stumbled upon LEE filters during a Google search. Their website was a treasure trove of knowledge, featuring captivating videos that unveiled the secrets of how professional photographers bring these stunning visions to life.
I had to purchase the foundation kit and a 15-stop Super Stopper neutral density from LEE Filters. Living in Kuwait, where the sun shines relentlessly, I envisioned capturing long-exposure shots even in the bright midday light. The thought of transforming the harsh glare into a smooth, dreamy blur of motion thrills me as I prepare for my next photographic adventure.
I headed to Anjafa Beach around noon to practice. The sky was a beautiful shade of blue with zero clouds in sight, while the sea sparkled with a range of colors, from deep blue near the shore to lighter shades as far as I could see. Even though I captured some images with excellent compositions, I couldn't quite get the long exposure effect I was after. But I managed to snap one outstanding shot with that lovely, silky-smooth water look that I love. Since the sky was cloudless, I decided to use Adobe Photoshop to try to enhance the image. I replaced the sky using the Sky Replacement feature and then added some fluffy clouds to create a little drama. Then, I turned the image into black and white, which helped highlight the textures and contrasts. To top it off, I added a motion blur effect to the sky, mimicking that dreamy, long-exposure vibe I wanted. So, while it wasn't just a straight-out-of-the-camera shot, the final image turned out beautifully, capturing the essence of that day at the beach!
I ventured into capturing a series of long-exposure images, but the results surprised me, deviating from my initial expectations. In a moment of experimentation, I decided to forgo the neutral density filter and the lengthy exposure settings. To my delight, this unanticipated approach yielded some striking images. Using Adobe Photoshop, I transformed these photos, infusing them with dramatic and artistic effects that ultimately blossomed into captivating compositions.
The Gear I Used
