Have you ever thought about how to capture the calm beauty of smooth ocean waves?
As photographers, light is our primary concern. Recently, the weather has been overcast. Nevertheless, the dense clouds and dark sky created an ideal setting for capturing this atmospheric mood.
With limited light, extending the exposure time is inevitable. So I thought, is it time for long exposures?
Armed with a tripod, a 16-35mm lens, and a 10-stop ND filter, I made my way to the seaside.
Tide Times
Always check local tide charts or apps before heading out. High tides provide optimal conditions for seascapes, while low tides expose rocks as the water recedes. I captured this series during high tides, with the water covering the rocks.
By knowing when the tide will rise, you can position your tripod and gear further back from the water, minimizing the risk of splashes or flooding.
Composition
The first step is to identify rocks that can serve as focal points. What makes a visually pleasing composition? It’s one where the audience has a clear focal point and can understand the picture immediately. The rocks are triangular, and I attempted to have them point towards the center, incorporating subtle leading lines towards the distant island.
Another technique is to focus on close-up shots. You don’t always have to include the sky in your frame; try filling it with boulders, they kind of look like mountain tops in the clouds.
Exposure Time
A 30-second exposure produced a smooth, flat surface. For achieving a silky dreamy effect, a 16-stop ND filter can help darken the scene, allowing for longer exposure times.
Given the dark sky, I took advantage of longer exposure times ranging from 48 to 60 seconds.
Camera Settings
Aperture f/9 to f/22
Shutter speed BULB Mode
ISO 100
What is BULB mode?
It’s entirely up to you. In BULB mode, there is no set time limit for exposure; the shutter speed is determined by the duration between pressing and releasing the shutter button.
One common question often asked is where to locate the BULB mode setting on the camera.
- Go to Manual mode
- After selecting a shutter speed of 30 seconds or longer, you’ll find the BULB option
- If you can’t locate it, ensure that silent shooting mode is turned off
Understanding how BULB mode works, it’s obvious that a remote shutter release is necessary. You can opt for either a Bluetooth remote or an app to connect your phone to the camera. If you attempt to press and release the shutter manually, it is likely to result in a minor camera shake that could ruin your photos.
Have you ever experimented with exposure times beyond 30 seconds? Next time you encounter gloomy weather, take the chance to give it a try.
If you found my tips useful, I share plenty of details like this in the Photography Handbook. You can replicate my settings and composition for your photo shoot. Check it out.