How to Capture the Perfect Long Exposure Shot with Your DJI Drone
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Unlock dreamy, cinematic images by mastering long exposure photography with your DJI drone.
Introduction: Take Your DJI Drone Photography to the Next Level
DJI drones are renowned for their high-quality cameras, intelligent flight modes, and creative flexibility. But one powerful feature that many drone users overlook is long exposure photography — a technique that can completely transform your aerial shots into smooth, dreamy works of art.
Whether you're flying a DJI Mini 4 Pro, Air 3, Mavic 3, or Inspire series, long exposure lets you capture the movement of time — from silky ocean waves to cloud trails drifting across mountains. All you need is a basic understanding of the technique, the right gear, and the right conditions.
What Is Long Exposure Photography?
Long exposure involves keeping the camera’s shutter open for an extended period, allowing more light to hit the sensor. This produces stunning effects such as:
Blurring water into a glassy or misty texture
Softening moving clouds
Capturing light trails from cars or boats at night
Isolating stationary subjects against a dreamy, moving backdrop
While it’s traditionally done with tripods on ground-based cameras, DJI drones are capable of producing these same effects from the sky — if you know how to use them right.
The Secret Weapon: Neutral Density (ND) Filters
To achieve proper long exposure during daylight, you’ll need a set of Neutral Density (ND) filters.
Think of ND filters as sunglasses for your drone’s camera. They reduce the amount of light that hits your sensor, allowing you to slow down your shutter speed without overexposing your image. Without an ND filter, long exposure in daylight would just result in a blown-out, unusable image.
Choosing the Right ND Filter:
DJI drones often come with ND filter kits, or you can purchase third-party options. Here’s a general guide:
ND4: Low light, overcast or early golden hour
ND8 – ND16: Standard daylight
ND32 – ND64+: Very bright conditions (midday sun or snow/beach scenes)
📌 Tip: Each DJI model supports different filter mounts, so make sure you're buying ND filters compatible with your specific drone.
DJI Drone Settings for Long Exposure
DJI’s Fly app and other controller apps give you the power to control key manual settings. Here’s how to dial them in:
1. Switch to Manual/Pro Mode
This gives you full control over ISO, shutter speed, and white balance.
2. Shutter Speed
Set this based on your lighting and desired blur. For water motion blur, try 1–5 seconds. For soft cloud movement, experiment with longer shutter speeds like 5–8 seconds (if supported).
3. ISO
Keep this as low as possible (ISO 100 or 200) to maintain image quality and reduce noise.
4. Aperture (if available)
Some DJI models like the Mavic 3 offer adjustable apertures. Set between f/5.6 – f/8 for the sharpest results.
5. Enable Histogram and Overexposure Warning
This helps you avoid blowing out highlights while fine-tuning exposure manually.
Best Conditions for Long Exposure with a DJI Drone
Capturing a perfect long exposure requires stability — something drones are surprisingly good at, but still sensitive to. Here's what to watch for:
✅ Minimal wind: Calm air means steadier flight, essential for sharp long exposure shots.
✅ Good natural light: Sunrise, sunset, or cloudy days work beautifully. Harsh midday light can be managed with stronger ND filters.
✅ Tripod or Cine Mode: Activate this flight mode to reduce joystick sensitivity and hold a rock-steady hover.
✅ Hover & Wait: Before snapping the shot, let your drone settle in position for a second or two.
⚠️ Note: Ultra-long exposures (8s+) may not be available on smaller drones like the DJI Mini 3/4 series. Check your drone’s max shutter speed in the manual or DJI Fly app.
Ideas for Stunning Long Exposure Shots
Here are some breathtaking subjects and environments that pair beautifully with long exposure:
Waves crashing on rocks or beaches
Waterfalls and rivers
Flowing clouds over mountains or cities
Highway or boat light trails at dusk
Busy cityscapes with blurred people or vehicles
Pro Tips to Maximise Results
Shoot in RAW: DJI drones often allow RAW image capture — perfect for post-processing flexibility.
Use a Countdown Timer: Some models allow timed shutter releases, which avoids micro-movements when triggering the shot.
Bracketing: Capture multiple exposures and blend later in post if dynamic range is tricky.
Conclusion: Elevate Your Aerial Photography with Long Exposure
Long exposure from a DJI drone isn’t just a cool trick — it’s a creative tool that unlocks a whole new layer of artistry. With the right filter, stable conditions, and a bit of planning, you can create silky, cinematic images that stand out from the usual drone shots.
So next time you’re out flying your DJI drone, don’t just aim for the sharpest shot — try slowing down. Blur the motion, reveal the rhythm of the landscape, and watch your photography soar to new heights.
Ready to Try It Yourself?
If you’ve got a DJI drone and haven’t experimented with long exposure yet — now’s the time. Grab yourself a quality ND filter set, get to know your manual settings, and head out during golden hour. You’ll be amazed at what you can create.
✨ Bonus: Tag your long exposure creations on Instagram with #DJILongExposure and join the creative community pushing drone photography to new limits.
If you're new to drone photography, why not check out my beginners guide below?
https://bhphotography.au/blogs/news/getting-started-with-your-new-dji-drone-find-your-style