Suggestions for milky shot in daylight

[harshitmohan14]

Hi friends,

I recently went to Chopta carrying newly bought D5200 with me. With online help I got some knowledge to get milky effects on flowing water. I wanted to capture that kind of shot of Alaknanda river on the way but I failed in the attempt. Reason being, it was broad daylight and on even with the smallest aperture (F29), lowest ISO(100) and low exposure level (-3) at 1/20 seconds the shot was way overexposed. Shutter speed faster than this wasnt giving the milky effect.

Experts pls tell me what to do in such situations. Below is my overexposed shot

 

[harshitmohan14]

Forgot to mention it was shot with the kit lens 18-55.

 

[iamsomnath]

This is precisely why you need ND filters. ND filters reduce light to go to the sensor, it is akin to holding a dark glass in front of the lens. You ideally need the "big stoppers" that is the 9 / 10 stop light cutters to get milky flow of water in broad daylight. Also don't go to smaller than F13 as diffraction ruins sharpness ( akin to squinting your eyes ).

This image was taken with a 16 Stop ND filter , in broad daylight at F11 I got a 4.5 minute exposure

 

[harshitmohan14]

Wow, awesome shot somnathji! Thanks for introducing me to the world of filters. I got the concept now. How much usually this costs?

 

[iamsomnath]

I usually suggest people to get round nd filters in 77 mm size. The bigger size ensures that almost all the lenses can be used with step up rings. One hoya multicoated 77 mm ndx400 filter, which cuts 9 stops, should be around 4 thousand. Buy only from reputed dealers as fakes are abundant.

 

[harshitmohan14]

Thanks for the advice sir! Saw your pics of Rural meghalaya and my jaws dropped

 

[iamsomnath]

I'm humbled

 

[Chetan Kulkarni]

+1 to what Somnath said. Just bear in mind that even with filters you may not get good shots if the light is too strong. Which is why shooting in the golden hour is the best