Tools in This Collection
Depth of Field Calculator
Calculate near and far focus limits for any aperture and focal length
Exposure Triangle Calculator
See how ISO, aperture, and shutter speed interact
ND Filter Calculator
Convert base exposure time to long exposure with ND filters
Golden Hour Calculator
Get exact golden hour and blue hour times for any location
Timelapse Calculator
Calculate frame count and shooting interval for timelapse
Film Development Time Calculator
Adjust film development times for temperature variations
Photography Technique Workflow
Great shots start with the right settings before you press the shutter. These tools help you calculate the numbers you need — depth of field, exposure relationships, ND filter conversions, and golden hour timing — so you can focus on composition instead of math.
Depth of Field and Exposure
The Depth of Field Calculator computes near and far focus limits for any combination of aperture, focal length, subject distance, and sensor size. At f/2.8 with a 50mm lens focused at 10 feet on a full-frame sensor, depth of field is approximately 2.5 feet. Stopping down to f/8 extends this to nearly 7 feet. The Exposure Triangle Calculator shows how ISO, aperture, and shutter speed interact — change one variable and see what the others must change to maintain the same exposure value.
ND Filters and Long Exposures
The ND Filter Calculator converts base exposure times to long-exposure times for any ND filter strength. An ND8 filter blocks 3 stops of light: a 1/250s base exposure becomes 1/30s. An ND1000 (10 stops) turns a 1/250s exposure into 4 seconds for silky waterfall effects. No more counting stops mentally with a filter on the lens.
Timing and Timelapse
The Golden Hour Calculator gives exact sunrise, golden hour start and end, blue hour, and sunset times for any location and date. Golden hour lasts approximately 30 minutes after sunrise and before sunset at mid-latitudes. For timelapse, the Timelapse Calculator determines the total frames needed and shot interval: a 30-second clip at 24fps needs 720 frames. Film shooters can use the Film Development Time Calculator to adjust development times for temperature variations from the standard 68°F/20°C.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does aperture affect depth of field?
Wider apertures (lower f-numbers like f/1.8) create shallower depth of field with more background blur. Narrower apertures (higher f-numbers like f/16) create deeper depth of field with front-to-back sharpness. Focal length and subject distance also play a role — the Depth of Field Calculator lets you see the effect of changing any variable.
Which ND filter do I need for smooth waterfall shots?
Smooth waterfall effects typically require 1-4 second exposures in daylight. Depending on your base exposure, you may need a 6-10 stop ND filter (ND64 to ND1000). Use the ND Filter Calculator: enter your base exposure and desired final exposure time to find which filter strength you need.
How long does golden hour last?
Golden hour typically lasts 30-60 minutes after sunrise and before sunset, depending on latitude and season. At higher latitudes (50°+), golden light can last over an hour in summer. Near the equator, it may last only 15-20 minutes. The Golden Hour Calculator gives exact times based on your location and date.
What interval should I use for a cloud timelapse?
For clouds moving at normal speed, a 5-10 second interval works well for a 24fps final video. Fast-moving storm clouds may work better at 2-3 second intervals. Use the Timelapse Calculator to balance your desired clip length, shooting duration, and frame rate to find the right interval.