As a quick and cheap entry into the world of long exposure, instead of spending a fortune on a 10 stop filter, try getting a piece of welding glass from ebay to use instead. Much cheaper and if you decide you dont like the longer exposures at least you haven't wasted too much money as proper decent filters can be over £100
Tip - google for welding glass long exposure
Hope that helps a little
Been out in the Trossachs today and messed about with a bit of long exposure, heres a couple of my pics, would be interested to hear what people think of them, cheers!
Need to excuse my inexperience but can you explain what you mean by blown highlights, I'm still a bit wet round the ears with this photography lark! lol
Sounds like a bit of trial and error to find out what works best, the pics I put were my first attempt so it it kinda gives me a basis to work on next time I give it a go.
what does an ND filter do?The main things are a tripod and a ND filter and preferable a cable release so you can release the shutter without touching the camera.
There's various grades of ND (neutral density) filters, some will just freeze a small movement in the water and others, like a 10 stop filter, will make the water virtually completely still, though the best times are still in early or later light as even using a 10 stop filter in bright daylight won't allow you to keep the shutter open for long enough if you want the glass type effect on water.
What sort of things do you want to do?