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How can I achieve a silky water effect in my landscape photos using long exposure?
Asked on Jan 01, 2026
Answer
To achieve a silky water effect in landscape photography, you need to use long exposure techniques that smooth out the motion of the water. This involves adjusting your camera settings and potentially using additional equipment like ND filters to control the light entering your camera.
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1. Set your camera on a tripod to ensure stability during the long exposure.
2. Use a low ISO setting (e.g., ISO 100) to minimize noise.
3. Select a small aperture (e.g., f/11 or f/16) to achieve a greater depth of field.
4. Use a slow shutter speed (e.g., 1/2 second to several seconds) to capture the motion blur of the water.
5. Apply an ND filter if the scene is too bright, allowing for longer exposure times without overexposing the image.
6. Use a remote shutter release or the camera's timer to avoid camera shake.
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- Check the histogram to ensure proper exposure and adjust settings as needed.
- Experiment with different shutter speeds to achieve the desired level of motion blur.
- Consider the direction and speed of the water flow when composing your shot.
- Review your images on location to ensure the effect meets your creative vision.
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