Slow Shutter Photography is a fun and creative way to capture unique images. From long exposures to motion blur and light trails, there are countless ways to experiment with this technique. When paired with SANDMARC gear, the iPhone becomes the perfect setup for mastering shutter photography.

In a DSLR camera, the shutter controls how long the sensor is exposed to light, determining how much motion or light is captured in an image. A slow shutter speed allows more light to enter, creating effects like motion blur, light trails, or smooth, flowing water.

While the iPhone doesn’t have a physical shutter control like a DSLR, with the right apps and the SANDMARC Motion Filter, you can still unlock stunning slow-shutter-style effects in your photos. The iPhone achieves this electronically, rather than with moving parts, by turning pixels on and off for specific durations, allowing it to remain compact while still producing incredible results.

For slow-shutter photography, we suggest pairing your camera with the Tripod and Motion Filter. The Tripod provides essential image stabilization. Our Motion Variable ND Filter is engineered from cinema glass, yielding true-to-life colors, accurately adjusting exposure, and avoiding cross vignetting (X bar) commonly seen in other variable ND filters. The aluminum frame is laser etched with precise markings that indicate “ND” levels or “Stops of light” for easy adjustment.

If you’d like an app, we recommend VSCO Capture or Slow Shutter Camera App. These both allow you to manually slow your shutter speed to create motion blur. On the iPhone Camera, you can capture a Live Photo, then tap the “Live” icon in the top left and select “Long Exposure.” This is an easy built-in way to create a long exposure effect without any additional apps. For even better results, pair these options with our Telephoto 2x or Wide Lens for added optical zoom and sharper detail.

When experimenting with shutter photography on iPhone, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes but we’ll cover them so you can avoid them. Shooting handheld can introduce unwanted blur, especially at slower shutter speeds, which is why we highly recommend using a tripod or stabilizer. Overexposing in bright light can wash out important details, while forgetting to lock focus or exposure may lead to uneven lighting or soft subjects. Lastly, using a high ISO can create unwanted noise, reducing overall image quality even on iPhone, especially in low-light conditions. This is where a third-party app comes in handy, since it allows you to adjust the ISO manually.

If you’re not sure where to start with shutter photography, here are four ideas to help you get started:

1. City Light Trails (rush hour cars or bikes).
2. Waterfalls & Ocean Waves (silky smooth texture).
3. Crowd Motion Blur (dynamic street scenes).
4. Star Trails or Fireworks (advanced settings).

Slow shutter photography on iPhone is all about experimenting with light, time, and motion. With the right tools like the SANDMARC Motion Filter, Tripod, and Pro Lenses you can capture unique photos. Whether you’re capturing light trails in the city or the smooth flow of ocean waves, mastering shutter control opens up a whole new creative world. So grab your iPhone, set up your gear, and start exploring what’s possible!