What is the primary characteristic of a long exposure technique?

The primary characteristic of a long exposure technique is the ability to record motion over time. This technique involves using a slower shutter speed, which allows the camera sensor to gather light for an extended period. As a result, moving elements within the scene, such as water, clouds, or traffic, are captured as blurred streaks or trails, conveying a sense of motion and time passing in the photo. This effect can create dramatic and artistic images, emphasizing movement and change within the composition.

In contrast, capturing still images typically focuses on fast shutter speeds that freeze action without blur. Using fast shutter speeds prevents motion from being recorded over time, which would not achieve the intent of long exposure. Enhancing color saturation speaks to the vibrancy of colors in a photo but does not relate to the technique of capturing motion over time, focusing instead on the aesthetic quality of colors in an image. Thus, the heart of long exposure photography lies in its ability to visually represent time and movement, making the correct choice centered on recording motion over time.