1. Three legs are better than two. A tripod is absolutely essential, but rather than running out and purchasing any old tripod I strongly suggest saving up for a well built model from a reputable tripod manufacturer, Gitzo and Manfrotto are two that spring to mind. A tripod that is poorly built or overly light weight for your camera will be next to useless as it will shake with any light breeze or even under the vibration of your cameras shutter.
2. ISO, the way to go. So we are about to photograph using low light levels, first things first turn your ISO up, right? WRONG. Digital sensor noise becomes particularly bad during long exposures and the best way to avoid such noise is to shoot with a low ISO. For most circumstances my camera performs best set to 100 ISO so I try to leave it there. Simply lower the shutter speed to obtain a correct exposure, after all, with a good tripod you camera isn't moving anywhere.
3. Use neutral density filters. Sometimes there are occasions when you may wish to create the effect of a long exposure such a swirling water or streaking clouds yet there is too much light to facilitate the exposure time you desire. First of all you can lower your ISO and stop down your aperture however this may not be enough. If that's the case call upon ND filters which basically act as sunglasses for your camera, allowing less light in, thus increasing exposure time. ND filters are available in a range of strengths so choose a couple that will suit your desired results.
4. Long live king Kodak. Now Kodak is often not the film of choice for me, but what is important is that film still has it's place in photography. One area where film still outshines digital is in long exposure photography. Whereas digital cameras produce harsh noise during long exposures film chugs along nicely with few ill effects. One thing to be aware of if shooting long exposures on film is an annoying neighbour named reciprocity failure. Reciprocity failure likes to come in and ruin long exposures on film and must be dealt with accordingly. Basically find yourself a reciprocity chart specific to the film you are using, make any necessary exposure changes and all should be well in the world.
5. Carry a torch! Often when shooting long exposure photos it will be dark or getting dark, I can't tell you how many times I've forgotten a torch and had to fumble around as darkness fell. A torch is so handy to keep in your bag for such occasions.
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