Cheat sheet · Landscape & nature

Camera settings for daytime long exposure

A 10-stop ND turns 1/60 s into 16 s: smooth seas, streaking clouds and empty streets.

ModeManual / Bulb
Aperturef/8–f/11
Shutter30 s – 4 minwith ND
ISOBase
Filter6–15 stop ND
FocusManual, set before fitting ND
White balanceFixed (Daylight)Correct ND colour cast in RAW
Quick start: A 10-stop ND turns 1/60 s into 16 s: smooth seas, streaking clouds and empty streets.

Starting exposures#

Typical scene brightness for this situation is around EV 14. Use these as a first test shot, then check the histogram.

ApertureISO 100ISO 400ISO 1600ISO 6400
f/1.41/8000 stoo brighttoo brighttoo bright
f/2.81/2000 s1/8000 stoo brighttoo bright
f/5.61/500 s1/2000 s1/8000 stoo bright
f/81/250 s1/1000 s1/4000 stoo bright
f/111/125 s1/500 s1/2000 s1/8000 s

Step by step#

  1. Compose and focus without the filter.
  2. Meter without the filter, then compute the ND time.
  3. Fit the filter, switch to manual focus, shoot.

Gear checklist#

  • Tripod
  • Strong ND filter
  • Remote
  • Viewfinder cover (DSLR)

Pro tips#

  • Cloudy, windy days give the most dramatic cloud streaks.

Common mistakes#

  • Forgetting to cover the optical viewfinder — light leaks.
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Frequently asked questions#

What are the best camera settings for daytime long exposure?

Aperture: f/8–f/11 · Shutter: 30 s – 4 min · ISO: Base. A 10-stop ND turns 1/60 s into 16 s: smooth seas, streaking clouds and empty streets.

What gear do I need for daytime long exposure?

Tripod, Strong ND filter, Remote, Viewfinder cover (DSLR).

Last updated October 03, 2026 · How we calculate · Sources