When you’re out shooting with your GoPro, the device is usually using a very fast shutter speed of just a fraction of a second. But what if you want to capture an especially dark scene, or get the unique effects of a long exposure?
To take a long exposure on your GoPro, set your camera to manual mode, which will allow you to control the shutter speed. Experiment with different speeds according to the scene and the look you wish to achieve. In order to prevent blur, use a tripod and a remote shutter release.
By using long exposure, you’re bound to get some fascinating photographs of the places and events you experience. So, let’s look at how to achieve long exposure with a GoPro and some of the things you need to consider as you’re shooting.
What Is Long Exposure in Photography?
Your camera shutter opens and closes so quickly that most subjects appear frozen in time during normal photography. Usually, this is somewhere between 1/60 of a second and 1/4000 of a second.
The speed allows you to snap great shots of moving objects in normal and artificial light. With long exposure photography, however, you leave your shutter open for a longer period. This could be anything from several seconds to several minutes.
This technique can be used in various situations to create all sorts of different looks. It’s often used in low-light conditions, such as when photographing the night sky. However, it can also be used in well-lit scenarios to create beautiful blurs and interesting light trails.
When using a long exposure, it’s important to use a tripod. This is because you’ll be exposing your camera to light for an extended period, which means any slight movement will cause blur.
What Equipment Do You Need?
Fortunately, you don’t need a lot of expensive gear to get started with long exposure photography. In fact, all you really need is a camera that allows you to set manual shutter speeds and a tripod to keep your camera still.
If you want to photograph the stars or other objects in the night sky, you might also want to invest in a remote shutter release (on Amazon). This will allow you to take long exposures without touching your camera, which can cause vibrations that blur your images.
You might also want to experiment with some filters. ND (neutral density) filters are the most popular type of filter used for long exposure photography. They work by reducing the amount of light that enters your camera, which allows you to use longer shutter speeds without overexposing your image.
PolarPro offers an excellent ND Filter 3-pack for GoPro (on Amazon).
What Are the Best Shutter Speeds for Long Exposure Photography?
The best shutter speed for long exposure photography depends on what you’re trying to photograph. For example, if you’re taking a picture of the stars, you’ll need a very long exposure time to capture all that distant light. However, if you’re taking a picture of moving water, you might only need a few seconds.
As a general rule of thumb, the best shutter speeds for long exposure photography are anywhere from one second to several minutes. However, it’s important to experiment with different shutter speeds to see what works best for your particular situation.
Long Exposure on a GoPro
Achieving long exposure shots with a GoPro is not so different from using a DSLR camera. The main difference is that you might need to buy extra gear, such as an ND filter, to get the desired effect.
To start, you’ll need to set your GoPro to manual mode. This will allow you to control the shutter speed, ISO, and white balance. Once you’ve done this, you can experiment with different shutter speeds to see what works best for your particular situation.
If your GoPro doesn’t have the shutter control feature, you may need to acquire the use of an external intervalometer. This device attaches to your GoPro and allows you to set the interval between shots. Using an intervalometer can be a little tricky, but there are plenty of tutorials online that will walk you through the process step-by-step.
Settings
Setting your GoPro to manual mode will give you full control over the shutter speed, ISO, and white balance.
To change the settings on your GoPro, first select the “Mode” button on the side of the camera.
This will bring up a menu of options. Scroll down to “Manual” and select it. Once you’re in manual mode, you can use the arrow buttons on the side of the camera to adjust the shutter speed, ISO, and white balance.
You’ll need to use a slow shutter speed to set a long exposure. The exact shutter speed will depend on what you’re trying to photograph and how much light is available.
Once you’ve found the perfect shutter speed, set your GoPro to “Burst Mode” to ensure that your camera takes a series of photos and doesn’t stop after just one exposure.
Tips And Tricks
Here are a few tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your long exposure photography:
- Use a Tripod: One of the most important things to remember when taking long exposure photos is to use a tripod. This will stabilize your camera and prevent any blurriness caused by camera shake. If you don’t already have one, check out the 50″ Aluminum Tripod for GoPro Cameras (on Amazon).
- Invest in an ND Filter: ND filters are a must-have for anyone interested in long exposure photography. They work by reducing the amount of light that enters your camera, which allows you to use longer shutter speeds without overexposing your image.
- Experiment With Shutter Speed: The best shutter speed for long exposure photography depends on what you’re trying to photograph. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different speeds to get a feel for the effect that you’ll get. There’s no right or wrong way to capture a scene! Pick a setting that suits your personal preferences and style.
- Take Your Time: Long exposure photography takes patience and practice. Be prepared to experiment with different techniques and shutter speeds before you find the perfect combination for your particular subject matter.