The Photographic Wanderer: Neutral Density Filter

"My Ocean and Me"

I love long exposure photographs. Something about how light can form trails and shapes, ocean waves can become placid ponds, and skies can gain a sense of hyper-realistic color and geometry makes me want to go out and shoot every night into the early hours of the morning. As a student, however,(especially one with a provisional motorcycle license, meaning I can't drive after dark) shooting at night is a rare treat. I still wanted to be able to get long exposures, preferably upwards of 5", but be able to do it without eating into my ever shrinking supply of sleep. After a quick buzz around Google, I came up with what seemed like a perfect solution: A Neutral Density Filter. I picked one up on Amazon, and took it out for a spin in Santa Cruz this week. I was more than impressed. Not only did the filter allow for me to preform longer exposures, but it also created a very dreamy feeling gray, with a heightened contrast, when at about half strength. I loved using this filter, and thought some of the results may be worth sharing. I hope you enjoy.