Light-Stream Photography

Long exposure photography can be a bit hit and miss so to speak. However, I've been capturing lightstreams for years now and have learned a few tips along the way, so I thought I might share a few with you..


Feature on my work in Exposure photography magazine

To the novice these shots might look impressive and hard to recreate but sticking to a few rules in the right location should yield some good results.

The British Airways London Eye

You don't even need an SLR camera - a lot of point and shoot cameras have long exposure modes.. ie Fireworks or Starry Night. BUT you will need a tripod.. this is almost essential.. IF you don't have a tripod, place a the camera on something solid and un-moveable and set the timer,, ;) (tip one - there is always another way)

The Houses of Parliament

If you are using an SLR camera, cover the eyepiece to stop light getting in.. also its a good idea to use a lens hood to stop light entering from the side.. Exposure should be quite high - go for over exposure rather than under - but whatever camera you use, make sure you get many shots as only one will probably make the grade!

Dublin : City Hall

Firing the shutter is a delicate thing - one tiny nudge will blur the image! So either use an electronic shutter release or use the camera's built in timer.. Either way make sure your camera is VERY secure, especially in windy conditions as again any movement will blur and ruin the image.

Fairground Big Wheel

Composition is key! For city shots and car light trails I try and get as close to the road as possible. It give a much better perspective and allows you to fill the frame easier - I also try and put an interesting building in the background giving the picture a subject - this turns it also into a slightly abstract shot.

Construction work in London

Hope there is something in there for you - if not, enjoy the photos and thanks for your visit anyway :)

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