Photo Tip Leave the Shutter open for surprises and cool results

Keeping the shutter open can yield surprises in a photo!

Get cooler images with long exposures

Cool things can happen when you leave the shutter of your camera open for more than just a fraction of a second. Look around the photo above where I left the shutter open for 10 seconds. In that time I managed to capture 3 lighting bolts, and the light trails made by the head and taillights of passing cars. Plus, the long exposure created a starburst effect with the street lamps.

What you need to do this

  • camera with manual shutter mode

  • tripod

  • cable release (optional for bulb mode)

Want to learn how to do this with Jason?

I have taught over 300 people photography lessons to help them get a jump start on photography, or learn cool new things like long exposure shots. Use the buttons below to contact me today for a Covid-19 Safe lesson.