Dragging the Shutter
I wouldn't call it long exposure photography. A 1/10th or slightly slower shutter to create specific effects while retaining some sharp components of the image. Easier said than done...
Dragging the shutter of a camera to create specific effects is something I use a lot in Ocean and surf photography. As I now once more find myself swimming amongst waves and surfers here in Okinawa I'm also looking at more creative ways to project the surf scene here. One option is to use the fading light of day to act as a natural ND filter. Selecting a smaller aperture and residing at ISO100 will require longer shutter speeds as the light drops. It is though very easy to overstep the correct exposure and underexpose an image. This then sees an introduced level of digital noise that, while it can be managed, is not optimum. If you find yourself looking to try dragging the shutter you will find there to be a very small window of around 15 to 20 minutes when this can be accomplished at the selected aperture.
Panning with the subject to match the speed of the surfer, 1/15th sec at ISO100 using f5.6 on a Tamron 150 -600mm at 150mm, handheld.
It's always nice to get the surfer in the shot but it's no simple task to nail the focus and getting the effect of motion due to the slower shutter used. It takes some practice. The above shot was taken during a three days stint to get one acceptable image. Another technique is to use a very sturdy tripod and use an ND filter to better record the unique colors presenting themselves in the location of the shoot at the time. While this next image was taken on a pretty sour day now that we're entering our winter, I'm looking forward to revisiting this technique when the weather gets better here in Okinawa next Summer.
Shot with a Canon 85mm f1.8 fitted with an ND64. ISO100 at midday I was able to hit a 0.3sec shutter at f16. A more tropical vibe for those summer colors will be delved into next Summer, can't wait.
What is probably the hardest target when dragging the shutter is to be close on a surfer and still get a passable shot with aspects of the composition in relatively acceptable focus. This takes determination and patience, a lot of patience. I'd been dedicating the last 20 or so minutes of a number of shoots along a local seawall that seems to be the focal point of surfing in Okinawa. I was finally rewarded with this one image, my favorite of a few landed, that encapsulates the technique. I was panning with the surfer as I knew he was going to execute the turn,. It was all a matter of slowing and matching his speed to get the final image. I'm happy with it. What say you?
The only thing missing is the sunshine! That said it was easier to drag the shutter on this due to the lack of adequate light. This was a 1/20th sec shutter at ISO100 using f13 on a Tamron 150-600mm zoom at 450mm.
"Only we humans make waste that nature can’t digest".
Charles Moore - Oceanographer
About the Author
Internationally recognized as a provider of quality mixed media Mark Thorpe is always on the search for captivating content.
Photographer / Cameraman
Mark Thorpe
Emmy Award Winning wildlife cameraman and Internationally published landscape photographer Mark Thorpe has been an adventurer since he could walk! Spending 17yrs as an Underwater Cameraman at the start of his imaging career the highlight of which was being contracted to work with National Geographic. In that role as a field producer and cameraman he's been privy to a mixed bag of hair raising adventures. For some reason he was always selected for projects relating to large toothed marine predators such as Great White and Tiger Sharks, Sperm Whales and Fur Seals. Additionally he has also been active within Southern Africa on terrestrial projects dealing with a wide array of iconic wildlife.
Currently based in Okinawa, Japan he's always on the lookout for his next big adventure. He shares his exploits online with a totally organic social audience. Sponsored by a number of photographic industry manufacturers he is constantly scouring the islands for captivating landscape and 'Oceanscape' compositions. Videography wise he continues to create short photographic tutorial videos as well as content to promote the diversity of wildlife within the Okinawa prefecture as well as a growing lean towards matters of conservation and responsible environmentalism.
Mark has long been an advocate of simplified living. Fortunate enough to have a partner whom shares that vision he is increasingly vocal about what he perceives to be the requirement for man to change his ways. He advocates for people to change and adopt what he calls a true L.I.F.E or Low Impact Focused Existence in order that future generations also have the opportunity to enjoy the natural wonders of this planet to the same extent that his generation has. There is a growing sense of need for such a radical change.