How can I capture long exposure shots during the day without overexposing the image?

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How can I capture long exposure shots during the day without overexposing the image?

Asked on Jan 06, 2026

Answer

Capturing long exposure shots during the day requires controlling the amount of light entering the camera to avoid overexposure. This is typically achieved by using neutral density (ND) filters, which reduce the light intensity without affecting color balance.

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    1. Attach an ND filter to your lens to reduce light intake.
    2. Set your camera to manual mode and select a low ISO setting (e.g., ISO 100).
    3. Choose a small aperture (e.g., f/16 or f/22) to limit light entry.
    4. Use a tripod to stabilize the camera for long exposures.
    5. Adjust the shutter speed to achieve the desired motion blur effect.
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Additional Comment:

ND filters come in different strengths (e.g., ND8, ND64, ND1000) to suit various lighting conditions.
Consider using a remote shutter release or a camera timer to prevent camera shake.
Experiment with different shutter speeds to capture varying levels of motion blur.
Review the histogram to ensure proper exposure and adjust settings as needed.

✅ Answered with Photography best practices.

Ask any question about Photography here... and get an instant response.

How can I capture long exposure shots during the day without overexposing the image?

Asked on Jan 06, 2026

Answer

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