• Cart
  • Checkout
  • My Account

Infrared Conversions, IR Modifications & Photography Tutorials | Life Pixel IR

The world leader in infrared conversions, modifications & DIY IR conversion tutorials. Scratched sensor replacement, UV & Full spectrum conversions.

The world leader in infrared camera conversions

866.610.1710
  • Home
  • → Start Here ←
    • 1 – Introduction
    • 2 – Filter Choices
    • 3 – Focus Calibration
    • 4 – Lens Considerations
    • 5 – Camera Considerations
    • 6 – Start Shopping
  • Galleries
    • Infrared Photography
    • Infrared Time Lapse
    • Infrared Cinematography
    • Infrared Stop Motion
    • Ultraviolet Photography
    • Forensic Photography
  • Education
    • Training Sessions
    • How To Shoot Infrared
    • AR Coated Infrared Filters
    • Lens Hot Spot Database
    • Photoshop Video Tutorials
    • Infrared Issues & Solutions
    • IR Basics in Photoshop
    • Camera Quick Start Guide
    • DIY Conversion Tutorials
    • IR Photography Primer
    • Secondhand Cameras
    • Wall Of Shame
  • Workshops
  • FAQ
  • Blog
    • Tutorials
    • Inspiration
    • Locations
    • Gear
    • News
    • Other
  • Why Choose LifePixel?
    • Submit Your Review
  • Contact
  • Shop

Long Exposure Infrared Photography

Share
Pin
Tweet
Email
Share

I love the look of long-exposure photography.  You can create a different look and feel to a scene.  Long-exposure Infrared images are possible, with the right preparation and gear. 

Let’s go through some simple steps to getting a great long exposure Infrared image.

#1. Get a good tripod.

Over the past few years, the quality of tripods have improved and the prices are reasonable.  Carbon fiber tripods are usually best as they are very light and easy to carry.  I use a tripod made by Sirui, The Traveler, and it weighs under 2 pounds.

#2 Get good quality, Infrared neutral density filters

If you’ve shot long exposure images before, you know that not all ND filters are the same.  Many will add a color cast to the images that you then have to deal with in post-production.  When it comes to Infrared photography, some ND filters have little to no effect or only offer half the number of stops they are marked for when using for natural color photography.  Prior to their release, I tested the Life Pixel IR ND filters and I can tell you that they truly offer both 5-stop and 10-stop reduction for both Infrared and natural color images.  That’s great because you only need to carry one set of ND filters for all your photography.

The question that often comes up is, “Do I need a 5-stop or 10-stop, or both?”  I carry both as it allows me to adapt to every shooting scenario.  Depending on shooting conditions and the amount of available light, I’ve even had circumstances where I’ve stacked a 5-stop on a 10-stop because I needed it.  On seriously sunny shoots, I will use a 5-stop ND filter and still be able to shoot hand-held to maximize my contrast in the images.

#3 Pick your scene to fit a long exposure. 

The idea with a long exposure is to capitalize on the effect of keeping your shutter open longer.  There are things that will help make these images look better, and a few things to consider not doing as well.  If you are shooting a scene with water, especially running water, a long exposure will blur the water. 

This is a Super Color 9-minute exposure with a 10-stop ND at ISO50, f22

Even a pond will take on a different look as the surface will get smooth and mirror-like.

This is a Super Color 4-minute exposure with a 5-stop ND at ISO 50, f22

Now, see what happened to the clouds in this image?  Often times I will try long exposures on cloudy days as it adds a little to the images when the clouds show movement.

However, if it’s windy, that can blur your trees, which may or may not be the look you are going for.

#4 Set your camera properly

Make it easier on yourself by setting your camera right.  Start with the lowest ISO setting you have available.  Many new mirrorless cameras have a “Low” ISO setting which is the equivalent of ISO 50.  By setting your ISO you now need more light.  Next, take your f-stop to a higher number.  The higher numbered f-stop requires more light. 

Here’s a little trick; in a pinch when I didn’t have an ND filter I have dropped my ISO to 50, upped my f-stop to f22, and have been able to lengthen my shutter speed sufficiently to capture a long exposure.

#5 Use a remote or delayed shutter

When you are capturing a long exposure, the last thing you want is anything that negatively affects the image.  No matter how careful you are, pressing the shutter button can jar the camera slightly, affecting the image.  Most cameras allow for some sort of remote shutter activation by a wireless remote or a cellphone app.  If you don’t want to do this, instead consider setting your camera for a delay.  Then when you press the shutter button you can move your hand away before the shutter actually opens.

#6 Budget more time for long exposures

One thing that always amuses me is how long it takes to capture such a small number of long exposures.  I have had a one-hour shoot time generate only 6 or 7 images.   Give yourself enough time to try different things and to shoot different exposure times.  If possible, try a location at different times of the day for a different look.

#7 (Most Important) Enjoy the process!

I watch some people shoot and they get so serious I wonder if they are actually enjoying themselves?  This is your art form, and for many, your hobby…. it should be fun.  Enjoy the process!  Try different things,  different exposure times, camera heights, and camera angles.   Don’t stress over the results, focus your energy on enjoying the image capture experience.  If the images don’t turn out the way you want, ……… don’t show them to anyone and go back and try again.

 

Below are a few more examples of Infrared long exposures. 

I have a portfolio of IR long exposures you can see here. 

 

 

 

  • Latest Articles
  • Author Bio
Dan Wampler

Latest articles by Dan Wampler (see all articles)

  • Seal Bay photoshoot - March 7, 2023
  • Major Copyright Infringement site Scroller.com - March 6, 2023
  • Kangaroo Island Wallabies and Roos - March 1, 2023
Dan Wampler

Dan Wampler

Dan Wampler is a digital artist from St Louis, MO. Having been interested in art and photography since childhood, he spent most of adult life working for Kodak and in the portrait photography industry. A student of the works of Ansel Adams, Any Warhol, and David Hamilton, Dan attempted to keep a wide range of artistic style.

As an early adopter of digital imaging, he found it gave him a way to completely incorporate art and photography. Began shooting Digital Infrared in 2004, and had first camera converted in 2006. His work has been seen in numerous gallery shows, is featured in an iTunes app. He produces Infrared and natural color digital art for sale and teaches his post-production techniques online.

Dan is LifePixel's Creative Director,  social media manager, lead blog author, main workshops and training sessions instructor. His images appear in this gallery and throughout the website.

If you have a topic suggestion or request feel free to shoot him an email at danwampler@lifepixel.com

Otherwise all LifePixel customer service inquires should be directed to service@lifepixel.com or by phone at 866-610-1710.

View more of Dan's work on his Website | Facebook


See All Articles by Dan Wampler
Share
Pin
Tweet
Email
Share

Related Posts

  • Infrared Photoshop Tutorials & Videos
    Infrared Photoshop Tutorials & Videos
  • Basic Infrared Photoshop Techniques Tutorial
    Basic Infrared Photoshop Techniques Tutorial
  • Life Pixel Modified Camera Quick Start Guide
    Life Pixel Modified Camera Quick Start Guide
  • The Wall Of Shame
    The Wall Of Shame

Filed Under: Tutorials

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Blog Topics

  • Tutorials
  • Inspiration
  • Locations
  • Gear
  • News
  • Other/Misc

What our customers say:

Life Pixel has been a life-changer for me. Continue reading
Eric GConnecticut
Read more reviews
I am more than satisfied with the service I received Continue reading
Christopher JCanada
Read more reviews
I am more than pleased with the conversion job that you did Continue reading
LOUIS MWaco, Texas
Read more reviews
I am VERY impressed with his knowledge of your products and his patience in explaining it to a novice like me. Continue reading
Lynn FEssex, Maryland
Read more reviews
Things will only get better from here thanks to all of you. Continue reading
Phillip FRedding, California
Read more reviews
The Lifepixel newsletter reminds me of not having expressed my gratitude for the excellent job you made. Continue reading
Michael GGermany
Read more reviews
Your staff went above and beyond the call of duty to make sure everything was handled in an excellent manner. Continue reading
Paige RPearland, Texas
Read more reviews
It has given my old camera a new life, I will enjoy using it again. Continue reading
William PAustralia
Read more reviews
Excellent service and the camera works just great Continue reading
Hans FairhurstAustralia
Read more reviews
I just got my converted camera back from you guys. THANK YOU!!!! Continue reading
Anne CutlerForest Knolls, CA
Read more reviews
infrared_filter_choices_sidebar
ir_conversions_explained_sidebar
----------- Watch More Videos -----------
infrared_quick_start_guide

Ready to start shooting Infrared?

Convert My Camera

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Receive updates, tips, cool tutorials, free stuff and special discounts.

Learn the Basics

  • Video
  • Start Here
  • Filter Choices
  • Focus Calibration
  • Lens Considerations
  • Camera Considerations
  • Place Your Conversion Order

Resources

  • Galleries
  • Lens Hot Spot Database
  • IR Tutorials
  • FAQ
  • Infrared Filter Choices
  • Infrared Photography Guide
  • Infrared DIY Tutorials

Company

  • Why Choose Us
  • Get In Contact
  • Job Openings
  • Write For Us
  • Affiliate Program
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Home
  • Start Here
  • Galleries
  • Tutorials
  • FAQ
  • Blog
  • Why Choose LifePixel?
  • Shop
  • Contact

Copyright © 2025 Life Pixel Infrared - All rights reserved - LifePixel Infrared Photography IR Conversion, Modification & Scratched Sensor Repair