[atr1981]

Hi Guys,

I'm having trouble sorting out my longer exposures.

I saw a image the other day in a magazine that was shot for 16 seconds to capture lightning.

If I expose for more than 2 seconds with my 30d all I get is a screen full of white.

I have an ND8 filter but still get the same problems but with longer exposures.

Is there a secret to getting it right ?

[allymac123]

It's all firstly about the amount of available light there is in the first place. If your shooting at the dead of night with no lights appart from the stars an exposure of 1hr wouldn't give a very bright image. I suspect the lightning was either at night or dusk so the light levels would be a lot lower than normal.

Other stuff that effect's the brightness is the aperture (use F16/F22 instead of F2.8 for example), You also want a low ISO (ISO 100) and if need be then ND filters. If your shooting in the daylight and want exposures of 1s or longer you will need strong filter like an ND1000 which cuts out 10stops of light.

You expose essentially the same way as every other shutter speed. What you want to do is be in Manual mode set your self an aperture of F16, ISO 100 and pop on your ND8 (don't forget a tripod too) Then adjust the shutter speed occasionaly half pressing the shutter button and look to see where the light meter is reading. You normally want it at 0. I strongly advise covering the viewfinder with the cover on the strap when you do this to ensure an accurate meter reading.

[RobDickinson]

I've had a play with this.

With an ND4 and ND8, and a CLP, ISO 100 and F22+ but if theres anythign like real daylight your still looking at 2-4 seconds max shooting.

So either shoot when theres less natural light or get stronger ND filters.

[jamesbryan17]

Use a small aperture like F/16 upwards