I like the random photography opportunities of a roadtrip. Such as driving alongside the railway line between Tanjung Malim and Slim River. To shoot a long exposure without a tripod, push the camera against something solid. For this shot, I nudged it against the stationary car’s upper window sill.
Olympus OM-D, ISO 200, f6.3, 2 secs with Grunge Filter.
Some photographers might use an ND (neutral density) filter in the day to obtain a wider aperture (narrower depth-of-field). Some use it to slow down the shutter speed when shooting a waterfall, for example.
I like using an ND Filter during dusk. The reduction in light allows me to use a very long exposure. When combined with a handheld shot in a moving vehicle, the lights will streak to become beautiful art. Try this only if you are the passenger.
Kuala Lumpur as seen from Jalan Loke Yew. Olympus OM-D, ISO 200, f3.5, 6 seconds with Hoya NDX 400 filter.
I always find it fascinating that Malaysians are attracted to the roadside steamboat like moths to a flame. The name steamboat (as in Chinese fondue) is sort of a misnomer. I prefer its other names of “Lok Lok” and “Dip Dip”. The travelling steamboat is essentially a truck selling sticks of meat or vegetables in which customers dip into boiling water themselves.
Photography tip: Unlike landscape, for such a scene with plenty of human activity, you may want to watch your shutter speed a little closer. With night breaking out, it is easy to blur every movement as the speed drops. Here, I set the shutter speed to 1/320 sec and let the auto-ISO ride instead.
Olympus OM-D, ISO 2500, f3.5, 1/320 sec.
