Photo gallery - Long exposures in London

A timeless black and white capture of Tower Bridge standing majestically over the River Thames, with the modern London skyline in the background.

Walking through the UK capital along the River Thames is an invigorating experience that captivates both locals and tourists alike. The iconic river, which has played a pivotal role in the history and development of London, winds its way through the heart of the city, offering a unique perspective on its rich heritage and vibrant culture.

As you stroll along the Thames Path, you are greeted by a stunning array of scenery, from the majestic arches of historic bridges like Tower Bridge and Westminster Bridge to the modern architectural marvels that dot the skyline, such as The Shard and the London Eye.

Techniques used to capture long exposure photos in London

Check out these photos I snapped using long exposure photography in London. This technique is a fascinating way to capture movement and time in a single frame, resulting in images that often evoke a sense of calm and serenity.

See how the water looks all milky and smooth? This ethereal effect is achieved by blurring the motion of the water, transforming it into a silky surface that contrasts beautifully with the surrounding elements in the scene.

I secured this effect by using a 1,000 stop neutral density (ND) filter, which is an essential tool for any photographer looking to experiment with long exposure settings.

Sleek skyscrapers of Vauxhall, London reach for the sky in this dynamic, black-and-white cityscape, with clouds streaking past, creating a sense of movement and modernity.

A black and white view of the London Eye with surrounding buildings, captured from across the River Thames, highlighting the architectural skyline under a cloudy sky.

Modern architectural design of the Thames Barrier flood structure along the river, showcasing sleek, reflective surfaces and strong geometric lines.

The black-and-white photograph captures the iconic skyline of Canary Wharf in London, showcasing the towering skyscrapers of major financial institutions including Citi, HSBC, and Barclays, framed by the serene waters in the foreground.

View of St. Paul's Cathedral and the Millennium Bridge spanning the River Thames in London, captured in black and white for a classic and timeless feel.

Historic industrial architecture of the Battersea Power Station stands tall against a moody sky along the Thames riverbank.

Black and white view of Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament along the River Thames in London, showcasing the iconic architecture and Westminster Bridge.

How to create long exposure images in the daytime

Thinking about giving this technique a shot? It's actually simpler than it seems. It's kind of like night photography, but you'll need an ND filter. Just go through these steps and you'll be good to go:

1. Find an ideal location to photograph

   This technique is best used when capturing movement, so aspects such as water, moving clouds or traffic is a good choice.
   

2. Set up on a sturdy tripod Make sure it can withhold in the windy elements
   

3. Attach a cable release You'll want to ensure your camera doesn't shake when you press the shutter
   

4. Add a rain cover or use an umbrella if it's raining or snowing You won't want to damage your camera for the sake of a photo. Best to protect it
   

5. Focus on your subject then switch the manual focus This will stop your camera from hunting for an object to focus on when you add the filter
   

6. Switch to manual mode and take a metre reading
   

7. Screw on your ND filter
   

8. Download an app on your smartphone to calculate long exposures These things are a dime a dozen. You'll have not trouble finding one.
   

9. Enter your exposure settings from step 6 and ND filter type The app will then calculate the new exposure setting you'll need to apply
   

10. Enter new exposure settings
    

11. Shoot
    

12. Review your image's histogram and tweak exposure settings if needed

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