Long exposure using crossed polarizers [img]

After my last try in the evening that didn't yield satisfying results I went out to the shore again this weekend. Instead of waiting for the light to fade I used my old Kiron 70-210 for which I have a polarizer (52 mm, not fitting on the newer lenses). Together with the polarizer for the filter holder I was able to cut out enough light for some long (~10 s) exposures. Here is one of the results. The colour was quite a bit off, blueish tint, but SilkyPix and some colour balance work in PS helped.
This one was A16 and 10s:



I'm reasonably pleased as it was quite windy that evening. Only thing I didn't like was the foam that was quite abundant.

C&C welcome.

I really like it. The misty effect is very unusual, and the gradient of stone density decreasing from bottom right to top left is very effective.

And the long exposure disguises the foam a bit, which is a bonus.

Curious about the sparkly highlights from the wet stones, though.

How did you have the polarisers oriented?

Thanks Chris,
I can't really say how they were oriented. I had to concentrate on getting the exposure long enough and still see what was in the frame. It was a matter of framing, adjust the front polariser (without changing focus) and taking the picture (while shielding the camera/tripod with my body from the wind).

But I think you wouldn't be able to suppress the reflections from the sun on the wet stones completely whatever the position was. I have these reflections on all the shots (as long as the sun wasn't hidden behind clouds), I just checked.

Prieni

Don't forget the crop factor. You can use a step-down filter from a 55mm- and perhaps even a 58mm-filter lens and not get vignetting.

My 49mm-filter ring flash works fine using a step-down ring on my 58mm-filter macro lens.

G

I like the pic, by the way. Lovely.

G

That's a really nice shot.

I agree with you though that losing the foam would be an improvement. But nature generally gives with one hand and takes with the other, so on balance it's still a very satisfying shot to have taken.

Andrew McP

Great effect. Thanks for the idea for getting long exposures in daylight

Andy

Well, that's true. But the 52 mm polariser is quite old and was a cheap one anyway. Guess I have to order a 58 mm one soon (and perhaps a set of ND filters for the Cokin holder).

Andy, that was the intention of this post. I read this idea somewhere a while ago and recently I remembered having a polariser for my old lens.

Prieni

The foam is definitely NOT a problem for me!

Lovely photograph! I love it's dreamy quality. It looks like an Ondine is about to step out of the water.

That's the sort of shot I'd like to take. Must load up my equipment and take it for a holiday by the sea while the sun is still shining!