When you're out shooting, nothing is more frustrating than dealing with flat, dull skies. But boring skies shouldn't mean boring photos.
Coming to you from Serge Ramelli Photography, this practical video walks you through using extreme long exposure techniques to overcome flat, featureless skies. Ramelli was expecting a great sunset in Paris, but instead, the conditions turned gray and cloudy—exactly the opposite of exciting photographic weather. Rather than pack up, he used an ND filter to slow his shutter speed dramatically. With exposures extending to two minutes or more, Ramelli demonstrates how seemingly lifeless scenes can transform into dynamic images, with stretched-out clouds and silky, mist-like water effects. The key, he explains, isn't just the longer exposure; it's choosing portions of the sky and angles that provide contrast against the clouds for a compelling image.
The video makes the workflow clear and concise, explaining precisely how Ramelli chooses camera settings to adapt to changing lighting conditions. He's meticulous in explaining why a simple image with standard exposure settings—such as ISO 50, f/6.3, and 1/60th of a second—looks ordinary, but by adding the ND filter and adjusting to an exposure of two minutes or more, things start to look far more striking. Ramelli also covers practical camera adjustments, like setting your camera's bulb timer to enable longer-than-typical exposures. He explains each step clearly without introducing unnecessary complexity. If you've avoided long exposures due to confusion or frustration, the step-by-step breakdown helps clarify the process effectively.
Ramelli discusses the value of selecting the right vantage points and framing choices, emphasizing foreground elements such as Paris's quirky turtle sculpture or iconic views along the Seine. What's particularly helpful is his explanation of solving common logistical challenges, including how to maintain visibility and framing while working in rapidly fading twilight. He even walks through how to work without an ND filter as the natural light grows dimmer, using very narrow apertures and the lowest ISOs possible.
It's one thing to suggest using long exposures to improve bland skies—but understanding how and when to adjust your camera settings correctly is another challenge entirely. This video addresses those factors explicitly, breaking down common missteps and offering accessible solutions for achieving strong, visually engaging images. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Ramelli.
