Project one: Core skills - A bit of a blur?
N-Photo: the Nikon magazine|May 2020
Adam Waring uses a variable neutral density filter to slow down shots just enough to convey a sense of movement
Project one: Core skills - A bit of a blur?

The Mission

– Use a variable ND filter to slow exposures precisely

Time

– 30 minutes

Skill level

– Intermediate

Kit needed

– Variable ND filter – Tripod

– Remote shutter release

Windmills are among the most picturesque man-made structures that can be found on the landscape. But these oncefunctional buildings, which used the power of the wind for anything from draining waterlogged land to milling flour, are now relics of a bygone era, and as such are mostly static shells, whose sails turn no more.

But that’s not the case with Wilton Windmill… It’s been lovingly restored and preserved in the Pewsey Vale of Wiltshire. It also still uses the power of the wind to grind grain into flour in the age-old tradition – sails turning under the power of the wind. Which begs the question: how do you convey this sense of movement in a still?

Using ND filters to get long exposures can turn the churning sea into a milky blur, or moving clouds into painterly streaks and, in the same way, can be used to blur the moving elements in your scene, helping convey a sense of movement. However, rather than exposures that are several seconds – or minutes – long, we want an exposure that’s typically just under a second; enough to add a hint of blur to the spinning sails.

Denne historien er fra May 2020-utgaven av N-Photo: the Nikon magazine.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra May 2020-utgaven av N-Photo: the Nikon magazine.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA N-PHOTO: THE NIKON MAGAZINESe alt
Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III RXD G2
N-Photo: the Nikon magazine

Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III RXD G2

The original version broke the mould for ‘trinity' standard zooms. The G2 enhances handling and performance further still

time-read
2 mins  |
Summer 2024
Nikon D500
N-Photo: the Nikon magazine

Nikon D500

Nikon's flagship DX-format DSLR is a modern classic. And while it hasn't been out of production for long, it left a hole in Nikon's camera line-up that's never been filled

time-read
1 min  |
Summer 2024
Laurence Griffiths
N-Photo: the Nikon magazine

Laurence Griffiths

With so much sporting action this summer, Laurence Griffiths of Getty Images reveals how to catch every goal at the Euros, details Getty Images' 24/7 Olympics coverage and why he always has a wide-angle ready. Keith Wilson managed to grab him before kick-off...

time-read
10 mins  |
Summer 2024
Ghost town
N-Photo: the Nikon magazine

Ghost town

Adam Waring uses ND filters to subdue the hustle and bustle when shooting busy cities

time-read
2 mins  |
Summer 2024
Creative cities
N-Photo: the Nikon magazine

Creative cities

Experienced travel photographer Matt Higgs provides top tips for stunning shots of city sights

time-read
2 mins  |
Summer 2024
If at first you don't succeed...
N-Photo: the Nikon magazine

If at first you don't succeed...

Tom travels to the other side of the world to have another go at shooting an elusive image and displays the power of his perseverance

time-read
3 mins  |
Summer 2024
Shoot the summer of sports
N-Photo: the Nikon magazine

Shoot the summer of sports

Have the Olympics and Euros inspired you to photograph sport? Mike Harris shows you how to score a portfolio of top shots

time-read
10+ mins  |
Summer 2024
Osprey & prey
N-Photo: the Nikon magazine

Osprey & prey

Birds of a feather Gary Jones and Leigh Pugh photograph ospreys from a purpose-built hide

time-read
8 mins  |
Summer 2024
Superzoom lenses
N-Photo: the Nikon magazine

Superzoom lenses

These lenses will have you in for a long stretch, some more than others in the wide-angle to telephoto stakes

time-read
5 mins  |
Summer 2024
Nikon Z 6III
N-Photo: the Nikon magazine

Nikon Z 6III

With a revolutionary 'partially stacked' full-frame sensor, the Z 6III fits flagship camera features in an compact enthusiast-level body

time-read
8 mins  |
Summer 2024