iPhone vs Pro Camera: Long Exposure Waterfall
Can you guess which photo of this waterfall was taken with my phone and which was my pro camera?
I took one with my iPhone 13 Pro ($1,000) and the other with my Sony A7iii ($2,000), Tamron 70-300mm lens ($500), and an ND 6-stop filter ($60 – filter buying guide below).
Both are long exposures, a creative photographic technique involving very slow shutter speeds to show the passage of time. For instance, long exposures make waterfalls look silky, wavy bodies of water look like glass, or clouds streak across the sky.
And The Winner Is…
The first photo was shot on my phone. To be fair, I didn’t use a tripod when I took it. So the image is pretty blurry. Here’s how to take long exposure pics with an iPhone.
The second photo is a three-tile vertical panorama (3.2 sec. at f/11, ISO 100-200, 107mm). I zoomed in on the church to give it more presence in my frame.
I also used an ND 6-stop filter to create a silky water effect by slowing my shutter speed.
Best Budget ND Filter Set: ICE
I heard about ICE filters from my good friend Jason Teale. I was skeptical because it was just $59 for a set of 3 filters. But these filters are as solid as ice! [See what I did there?😎]
Recommended Magnetic ND Filters: Kase
The next time I upgrade my ND filters, I’ll definitely buy a magnetic filter set. You can pop them on in seconds and leave the filter adapter ring on permanently. I’m eyeing this Kase Magnetic Filter Set for $399 😅.
ND Filter FAQ
Should I buy the screw on or slide in type? I prefer screw on – less gear to carry and set up. Which filters should I start with? 3-stop and 10-stop. What size do I buy? Check the diameter of your lens. I mostly use these filters on my wide angle zoom. What if I need use the filter on a different diameter lens? Buy a stepping ring by a third party or from your filter manufacturer.
#NoFilter
You don’t need an ND filter to take long exposure photos. If the light is low enough, like at dawn or dusk, you can slow your shutter speed by by decreasing your ISO (like ISO 50), closing your aperture (to f/22 for instance), and/or popping on a CPL filter (which decreases the light by 1-2 stops).
To sum it up, it doesn’t matter if you use your phone, an ND filter, or no filter at all, a world of creative long exposure photography is within reach.
P.S.: Learn About Long Exposures in Brooklyn
I’m going to teach how to take long exposure photos (with and without filters) at iconic Old Pier 1 in Brooklyn, as part of my night photography workshop series this April and May. Join if you can!
“When people ask me what equipment I use –
I tell them my eyes.” ~ Anonymous
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