How to Take a Long Exposure Photograph on an iPhone

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How to Take a Long Exposure Photograph on an iPhone

I am an amateur photography. see more of me: http://500px.com/steveangelkov http://twitter.com/steveangelkov http://steveangelkov.tumblr.com Instagram - @steve_angelkov

Steve Angelkov

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Step 1 of 14

I have not been paid nor am I associated to any of the products outlined in this guide. These are simply the ones that I use. There are many alternatives than you can or may already be using.

Step 2 of 14

A sturdy tripod is a must. I use the Joby Gorillapod with their ball head. The iPhone bracket is a cheap plastic number, bought from a renowned online auction site.

Step 3 of 14

Next purchase Slow Shutter Cam App from Cogitap Software Developer on the App Store.

Step 4 of 14

The app has some great options to shoot in automatic and manual mode, and also take long exposure and light trails. This guide is based on using long exposure.

Step 5 of 14

Next, setup shot and frame. This image is Eastbourne Pier, Sussex. (image copyright steve angelkov)

Step 6 of 14

Within slow shutter app, click on the lens icon in bottom left hand corner and select automatic from capture mode and B for Bulb on Shutter Speed.

Step 7 of 14

I chose bulb mode as I wanted a long capture for movement in the water, but you can choose shorter shutter speeds, for different subjects.

Step 8 of 14

In bulb mode, just click to take photo and click again to stop capture. I selected 16 seconds. As automatic mode is selected exposure is spot on and captured in camera.

Step 9 of 14

Once the photo is captured, and you are happy, you can save to camera roll. N.B. the app has 3 settings to save, make sure you have selected large, which is available for iPhone 4, 4s & 5.

Step 10 of 14

Within the app their are some excellent instructions and guides on how to use it.

Step 11 of 14

Next, open snapseed to edit into black and white. Select Black and White from the options at the bottom.

Step 12 of 14

Click on the star in the bottom toolbar, and select the chosen B&W profile. I chose Neutral, but others are: contrast, bright, dark, film and darken sky. (image copyright steve angelkov)

Step 13 of 14

Next, click on the filter icon to select from: neutral, red, orange, yellow or green. I chose yellow. Click to save. (image copyright steve angelkov)

Step 14 of 14

Here is the finished image. (image copyright steve angelkov)

You're Done

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Steve Angelkov

Luton, Luton GB

I like to take photos http://www.500px.com/steveangelkov http://www.flickr.com/photos/steveangelkov/ Views are my own, and mine solely.

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An iPhone

A tripod

2 apps

A scene

Thanks for the great guide! Is there an improvement in using this app in low-light situations over using the native HDR setting on the iPhone? Perhaps worthy of some comparison shots? I'd be keen to see them!

Brian Pellerin last month

This is not a true long exposure. By definition, a long exposure is when the shutter stays open. This app is just taking a lot of photos and blending them together.

Sam W 3 months ago

Thanks Simon. It works well on beachscapes.

Steve Angelkov (author) 5 months ago

Nice guide mate! Went for a walk along our local beach earlier and tried it out!

Simon Roberts 5 months ago

jane thanks for the comment and i hope you enjoy the guide.

Steve Angelkov (author) 5 months ago

Can't wait to experiment on my local beach. Really appreciate your time and effort to share your skills and knowledge. Thank you.

Jane Brock 5 months ago

Thanks Erick. Hope you enjoy it.

Steve Angelkov (author) 5 months ago

A lot of steps, but a useful guide.

Erick Redcloud 5 months ago

@Ociel Vazquez thanks for the kind words, I hope you enjoy the guide.

Steve Angelkov (author) 5 months ago

This is very useful thank you very much!!

Ociel Vazquez 5 months ago

Thanks Jill!

Steve Angelkov (author) 6 months ago

Excellent instructions! You are a good teacher. Please consider posting more. Lovely photo!

Jill Bomaster Bond 6 months ago

Nancy, you're welcome and good luck!

Steve Angelkov (author) 7 months ago

Thanks... I love photography & still don't get pics as good on phone as camera. I will try your app advice, thanks! 😎

Nancy Henshaw 7 months ago

That's awesome mate, thanks! Fantastic picture of the peer

Terry Stubbs 7 months ago

Thanks a lot

Rahshan Hayes 7 months ago

Rahshan, thanks fella. My instagram name is steve_angelkov. I have already connected with you.

Steve Angelkov (author) 7 months ago

Now I see this guide! I had to figure it out on my own lol. What's your Instagram name. Mine is rahshanh. I have some long exposures on there.

Rahshan Hayes 7 months ago

Jason very kind words. Thanks very much. Good luck!

Steve Angelkov (author) 7 months ago

True artist Steve. It's a real pleasure to follow you. I'm a artist and inspiring professional photographer who appreciates art across all platforms of life. You got skills!!

Jason Teves 7 months ago