

#WATERFALL PICTURES HOW TO#
We’ll explain how to shoot a waterfall in manual mode, though beginners could also shoot in shutter priority mode and simply select a shutter speed. Different times of day and different weather conditions will impact what settings achieve the right exposure you may shoot the same waterfall under different settings depending on the time of day or how cloudy it is.

There are no hard and fast rules for the best camera settings for shooting waterfalls-but a few basic tips can help you find the settings that work for your particular scene. Once you find an angle and location you like and set up that tripod, it's time to get your settings configured and snap away. Of course, there are exceptions to this, like every rule. While the blurred water can be very eye-catching, it is most effective when there are other objects to frame it. This helps to anchor the image, provide contrast, and highlight the sense of motion. While both close-ups and wide-angle shots have their place when shooting waterfalls, it can be in your interest to include something static within the frame, like rocks or foliage. Scope out different angles-shooting from the side can add interest to a simple waterfall. A well-placed curve or line will draw the viewer’s eye into the image and give it a sense of depth and perspective. Looks for lines and curves made by the rushing water, as well as rocks, trees, paths, and other elements around the space. Waterfalls also create natural lines-pay attention to the shape the waterfall makes as you move around it. Keep an eye out for elements that could be included in the foreground, as well as distracting elements that you want eliminated from the frame. Do you want to stay back a bit and capture the entire view? Or head up close and capture more detail? Consider both options as you choose a location to set up. Start scoping out potential compositions as you hike up to the falls. Here are a few things to consider while you plan and set up your shot. Composition in photography is one of the most important factors to consider to ensure your shots stand out from the crowd. There’s more to capturing the perfect waterfall photo than having the right gear. It’s all worth it for the beautiful shot! Waterfall photography composition tips

Waterfalls can also be tricky to get to, sometimes requiring a bit of a hike with your gear. Taking the time to find the best composition or waiting for the right weather is necessary for capturing that jaw-dropping photo. While it’s not something you can find at a camera store, patience comes in handy. This will help you settle on the best position.
#WATERFALL PICTURES PRO#
Pro tip: Once you’ve added your polarizing filter, twist the filter while you watch how the reflections change. Neutral density filters often come in kits, with different levels of darkness for the most flexibility. But often, achieving that long shutter speed when shooting in the daylight requires a neutral density filter, which limits the amount of light coming in so you can use a longer shutter speed without overexposing the image. Polarizing filters help control the reflections off of the water and also can enhance a blue sky. The best lens filters for photographing waterfalls are polarizing filters and neutral density filters. Avoid using a cheap, flimsy tripod-even a small gust of wind can introduce shake, so opt for a model that’s well built, with fewer leg sections for even more stability.įor shooting waterfalls in the daylight, you’ll also need the right filters. Even if you prefer the crisp, frozen-in-time look from a faster shutter speed, tripods still help keep the image sharp. If you try shooting handheld, the slower shutter speed will make your entire image a blur. If you’re going for that smooth, silky water look, a tripod for your camera is a must. But if the waterfall is difficult to access and the landscape prevents you from getting too close, a telephoto can come in handy too. If the waterfall is easy enough to access and get close to, a wide-angle lens will help capture the entire scene.
