Header photo: London Bridge Ghosts by photographer TobiasE

Long exposure is a photographic technique that involves slowing the shutter speed, allowing the camera to take in more light and extending the time that a photograph is taken. A shutter speed of between 1 and 30 seconds is recommended (though you could experiment with longer, using Bulb Mode).

It's an excellent technique for light painting photography and for capturing movement in photographs. Since it's perfect for adding motion blur to your photos, it's also a fabulous way of creating spooky images for Halloween photography. 

This step-by-step guide by Digital Photography School has everything you need to create long-exposure photographs, including the equipment you need to get started and gorgeous examples of long-exposure images you can try yourself. 

Below is a fabulous collection of long-exposure images created by the PurplePort community. Enjoy!

#1


Milky Way over Pentre Ifan, Pembrokeshire by photographer Robert Price Photography


#2


Study in colour and motion II by photographer Shades and Light


#3


Me by photographer Shane thorpe


#4


Dover Court by photographer JayH


#5


Image by photographer Diffused Light


#6


Sunrise At Cobbolds Point by photographer JayH


#7


Cat in a spin by photographer Al W


#8


Fairy Glen by photographer AndyJB


#9


Touch the Stars by photographer Ben Lockett


#10


Image by photographer Paulinfocus


#11


De-light by photographer Paul Hooper


#12


Image by photographer Mike103


#13


Starry Starry Night by photographer Al W


#14


Image by photographer lightupthenorthwest


#15


Image by photographer mikedphotography


#16


Image by photographer JAyresPhotography


#17


Reach Out by photographer Russ FTL


#18


Emerging into the light by photographer Al W


#19


Image by photographer mikedphotography


#20


Image by photographer Diffused Light


#21


Tranquility by photographer socreative


#22


Topless ghost effect by photographer David A Photography


#23


Image by photographer Vern


#24


Long exposure street photography by photographer TugTog


#25


Dance for joy by photographer RLux


#26


Dancing by photographer Shades and Light


#27


W falls by photographer Damian Diviny


#28


Image by photographer Paulinfocus


#29


CheyAnne LE by photographer Damian Diviny


#30


Emma et son corps de ballet by photographer Paulinfocus


#31


Journey through Tower Bridge by photographer Richee


#32


Couru 2 by photographer Wavepower


#33


Sgwd Gwladus - South Wales by photographer Kelvin Brain - Mill-Lodge Brecon Beacons


#34


Ethereal blue by photographer Damien J


#35


Image by model tigerbelle


#36


Point of Ayr Lighthouse by photographer Abhishek Deepak Photography


#37


Light Speed by photographer Ben Lockett


#38


Tynemouth North Pier North Side by photographer AndyHoughton


#39


Two point five by photographer Ricardo Silva


#40


London Bridge Ghosts by photographer TobiasE


#41


One point five by photographer Ricardo Silva


#42


Image by photographer mikedphotography


#43


The Beauty of Ballet by photographer EastCoastWest


#44


Galactic stacks by photographer Andrew Homer


What is PurplePort

PurplePort is a modelling website that brings models, photographers and other creatives together with one fantastic service. We provide the tools and help you need to get together and create amazing photos.

Established in 2010, PurplePort has grown from strength to strength and now has 40,000+ active members worldwide. With features such as integrated messaging, calendar, shoot plans, image albums, references, credited photos, busy member forums, hundreds of articles, and dedicated full-time staff to help you, it's easy finding the perfect creatives you need for your next photography project. It's a fresh, fast, and feature-rich alternative to ModelMayhem.

Join the fastest growing, most feature-rich service of its kind and start making magical photos a reality!

Follow us on social media 

We regularly post beautiful, dynamic and inspiring images from our talented community on social media.

Check out our blog on PurplePort and our social channels below so you can stay inspired anytime:

Join now and start networking

Join the community and start your modelling or photography career now.