Silky Water Effect

[FotoMike]

I took this under low light conditions, but i havent been able to have the same success with silky water shots during strong daylight. Are these only possible when the light is fading because of the neccessity of a slow shudder speed? Or are there any filters that can assist in this?

[phlyersphan]

My understanding is that the slow shutter speed is what gives water that silky effect. Maybe a neutral density filter could be used to reduce the light coming in?

[jdepould]

A neutral density or polarizing filter will bring down the exposure values. In extremely bright daylight you're probably out of luck, but in the evening, with an ND you'll be able to get the right shutter speeds, just don't forget the tripod.

[baseballboy828]

A neutral density filter will do it. You'll only have luck shooting in dark/shaded areas most of the time anyway. In a pinch, a polarizing filter will get you somewhere as well.

[RussHeath]

Great shot.

I really like long shutter speeds in bright light, and struggle with this same question. Here is a good article about using "extreme ND" filters and exposures up to 30 minutes in the middle of the day. Maybe not for everyone, but it makes the point.

Extreme ND

Enjoy, but be aware that this is basically a sales pitch for the Singh-Ray Vari-ND, a very expensive variable ND filter that uses two polarizers which you can rotate to control the amount of light coming through. Cool toy, but pricey. There are probably cheaper ways to achieve a similar effect.

[vandervalk]

I've recently been experimenting with long daylight exposures and it's quite easy and cost effective if you wish to stack a bunch of ND filters. They don't degrade the images quality to the point where it is noticeable.

I purchased 2 Hoya ND8 filters for $20 CDN each, one ND6 filter and one ND2 filter. I also have a circular polarizer which is equvilent to ND1-2, somewhere in that range, depending on where you turn it.

With all of these together, stacked I was able to acheive anywhere to 1-2 minutes during midday light down at the ocean. Which is very reflective.

The photos turned out really, really neat I think.