David Lowe from Smethwick Photographic Society extolled the virtues of long exposure daylight photography and started his presentation with an impressive and extensive selection of images. Long exposure photography enables movement to be rendered and to contrast those elements that are moving with static objects, often to obtain an impressionistic effect. Water and architectural structures were particularly good subjects for such treatment but the process could be applied more widely.

Having witnessed the results that are possible, the second half of the talk covered the practical and technical aspects of taking photographs including equipment, filters and the all important exposure calculator once filters are incorporated. He shared a myriad of tips and techniques to avoid many of the common pitfalls which can be encountered ranging from unwanted light ingress to health and safety considerations when operating in wet and slippery conditions. Recording the scene was really only the start of the process and extensive Photoshop processing was expertly used to manipulate the image to give the desired outcome and effects.

David’s passion and enthusiasm was evident and hopefully will have motivated a number of attendees to go out and practice the skills needed, supported by back-up notes and references to well known proponents of the process.