Long exposure photography transforms everyday scenes into something surreal. But pulling off the perfect long exposure shot isn’t as simple as setting a long shutter speed. Conditions, composition, and even patience play a huge role in making it work.
Coming to you from Chris Baitson Photo, this engaging video follows a spontaneous trip to the coast for sunset photography. Baitson starts with a familiar subject—old concrete rubble leading to weathered posts in the North Sea. With the tide in an ideal position, he sets up a shot that balances foreground elements with the open sky. He uses the Olympus OM-1 Mark II’s built-in ND filter along with an external six-stop ND filter to extend exposure time. The goal is a smooth, minimalist image that emphasizes the contrast between solid structures and shifting water. Getting this kind of shot requires careful control of exposure settings, as light conditions change rapidly. Baitson adjusts ISO and aperture to maintain the right balance, reinforcing why adaptability is key in long exposure work.
The next subject is something most wouldn’t consider a compelling image—a discarded crab pot washed up on the shore. These pots frequently turn up along the coastline, and Baitson sees potential in their shape and texture against the motion of the sea. But this isn’t as simple as setting up a tripod and pressing the shutter. The waves are just strong enough to jostle the pot, making it difficult to keep still during the long exposure. He places stones inside to weigh it down, but even then, movement remains a challenge. Exposure times of 60 seconds prove too long, so he adjusts to shorter durations, eventually settling on 10 seconds as a more realistic option. This kind of trial and error is essential when working with unpredictable elements.
The struggle with the crab pot highlights an often-overlooked part of long exposure photography—subject stability. Even small waves can introduce blur if a subject isn’t completely stationary. Finding a way to secure objects can make or break an image. The changing tide also plays a role. Baitson works quickly to position the pot before it drifts away, showing how working in dynamic environments requires both problem-solving and persistence. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Baitson.
And if you really want to dive into landscape photography, check out our latest tutorial, "Photographing the World: Japan II - Discovering Hidden Gems with Elia Locardi!”
