overexposure with slow shutter speeds

[alphabravo]

I love taking pictures with slow shutter speeds with my new panasonic dmc-fz100. My problem is that when I do it during the day or at night in a place with a lot of street lights I end up with a white picture. I already lowered the ISO and the aperture. I would still like to keep that "motion" effect, as well as the effect I get with the existing lights.

How can I solve the problem? Can I use a filter? which would you reccommend?

Thanks

[DivotMaker]

Welcome to DPS.

Is there a chance you could post an example, with EXIF data, to better help with your issue?

To answer your question directly, without knowing the specifics, yes this issue can be helped with an ND filter. (However, the specifics would be hard to address without seeing what kind of issues you are specifically having)

[alphabravo]

thanks for the answer.

I don't have any of those pictures on me now, so I'll try to post them as soon as I can. In the meanwhile I was wondering: would an ND filter make the whole picture darker?
And also, how to tell which ND filter is best?

[OsmosisStudios]

A neutral density filter blocks light: think of it as sunglasses for your camera. You first have to determine how far overexposed you are, then find an ND filter that works for you. More stopping power is usually better.

I have 2, a 3-Stop and 10-Stop. THe 3-stop is very versatile, and probably your best bet, but the 10-stop is probably the most fun.