Waterfall Image Suggestions
This is just a little helpful, non-technical information on the topic of shooting waterfalls. The intention of this article is to assist those who would like to photograph waterfalls in different moods.
Table of Contents
- The Attitude of Your Waterfall Image
- Which Waterfall Is The Best Waterall Image
- Waterfall Image Perspective
- The Best Waterfall Perspective
- Finding a Great Waterfall
- Exposure Challenge of Waterfall Photography
- Shutter Speed Information on the Technical Side
- Shutter Speed Guide
- Camera Bags for the Waterfall Trip
- Tripods on eBay
- Zazzle.com
- Photographing a Waterfall
- Great Waterfall Books
- Abrams Falls
- Please Tell Me What You Think
The Attitude of Your Waterfall Image
Although waterfalls are often one of the more challenging images to capture, they also offer a unique opportunity.Waterfall images offer the photographer the ability to express a mood or an attitude. If you want to express a mood of tranquility, peace, and a feeling of softness this can be accomplished fairly easily. If you want to express a mood of frenzied activity, and violent action you can accomplish this at the same waterfall at the same time.
To achieve the quiet, soft, tranquil attitude shoot the waterfall image with a very slow shutter speed. The slow shutter speed will not stop the action of the water flowing over the falls, it will blur the action. The water droplets run together in a sort of veil, giving the appearance of softness, peace and tranquility. This is not a naked eye version of the waterfall, but it may be a more appealing version of the waterfall.
If you would like to capture a more realistic, naked eye version of your waterfall then shoot with a fast shutter speed. The fast shutter speed will give detail to the water, stopping the action of the water in its tracks. The water will appear more like what you can see with your eyes. This is a more violent, rushing water affect.
Use both techniques and see what you think.">
Which Waterfall Is The Best Waterall Image
Soft waterfall photos are better than the rushing water photos
Fetching blurbs now... please stand byYes, I want to feel a sense of tranquility
seedplanter says:
I like images of softer waterfalls. It seems to slow time at that shutter speed. Here in the Northwest, one of my favorite places to visit is Silver Falls State Park. You would love it.
Posted September 08, 2008
Winter52 says:
My first choice would be for the soothing waterfalls. They instantly make you slow down and relax. After a hectic day... it would be a great place to unwind.
Posted May 22, 2008
adez7 says:
I just like great photography of all kinds and waterfall pictures are just great.
Posted March 31, 2008
mulberry says:
Yep, love impressionism more than realism, the fuzzy, dream like stuff is for me!
Posted March 15, 2008
No, I want the image to look just as I see it.
The_Homeopath says:
I like the emotions and freshness invoked by clear images.
Posted August 17, 2008
triathlontraining says:
I prefer the crisp, clear image personally. Or maybe just slightly blurry, like I would probably see it.
Posted May 26, 2008
MaryO says:
I like the crisp, clear one the best. I can almost hear the rushing water and feel the spray. The tranquil one is okay if you're Thomas Kinkaide (sp?)
Posted March 29, 2008
Waterfall Image Perspective
Waterfalls may be shot from various angles. The photographer must decide what view is the most pleasing view.A waterfall image may be shot from the foot of the falls looking up, or it could be shot from the top, looking down.
The final result is entirely different.
To make things even more fun, you could shoot the waterfall from the water, hopefully before you go over the falls. This would be one of the more difficult shots to be sure. Holding an expensive camera just as you are coming to the top of a falls could get pretty scary. Holding the camera steady enough to capture a good image would be challenging.
In normal circumstances a tripod would be the best option to hold a camera steady but in this case I don't think the tripod option would work well.
Myself, I would opt out of the in-the-water shot and go for the on-the-bank shot anytime. On the bank I can use a tripod if desired to get the entire waterfall, top to bottom. I can also get the slow shutter speed or fast shutter speed I like. The in-the-water shot would eliminate the possibility of a slow shutter speed.
The Best Waterfall Perspective
Not everyone agrees on the most pleasing perspective for a waterfall image. Give your opinion!
The Best Waterfall Pictures
Fetching blurbs now... please stand byAre taken from the foot of the falls
WENDYSRASCALS says:
I like photos of waterfalls where the water is almost in suspended animation, and so many of the drops are clearly seen.
Posted March 31, 2008
merriweather says:
If I have to pick a favorite I would say from the foot of the falls, it seems more "powerful" to me.
Posted March 27, 2008
C5Photography says:
I like all kinds. But don't be afraid to put the tri-pod in the water to get a shot not many people are willing to take.
Posted March 17, 2008
In front of the falls, from the bank.
Finding a Great Waterfall
Finding a great location to shoot a waterfall photograph is not all that difficult. You can search online and find the nearest waterfalls or you can check out the bookstore or library for aritcles and books on great waterfall locations.I have numerous waterfalls located within a few miles of my home. I thought I might recommend a couple of great waterfalls where I really enjoy taking waterfall images.
Tennessee has some great waterfalls. So if you want waterfall pics you might want to head to one of these two.
1. Bald River Falls, this is an easy to access falls. You do not have to walk far to get to the falls, you can actually shoot from your car window. If you do like to venture a little bit farther, you can capture a great view by just walking down under the bridge.
Do be careful, make sure to protect your equipment. There is quite a bit of spray coming from the falls when the waterflow is good. Take a plastic bag for your camera or keep it covered until you take your shot.
2. Foster Falls- this is another very easy access falls. At this particular falls you can get a great waterfall image by simiply walking a few yards from the parking lot. There is a trail for the more adventurous, that goes to the bottom of the falls. This hike is well worth the trip, there is a splendid view here.
Again keep your camera well protected there is a lot of spray. There is also a more gentle trail leading to the very top of the waterfall.
3. Frozen Head State Park- there are a few great waterfalls in this beautiful park. The park is located near Knoxville, TN. There are several nice waterfalls along a 1.5 mile trail. The trail is an easy walk and well worth the effort.
Exposure Challenge of Waterfall Photography
Another challenge of waterfall photography is exposure. The exposure is often very difficult as you are dealing with a high contrast situation. You have white water, often with the sun shining on parts of it and you have dark wet rocks and shadows in the surrounding foliage.So, what is the best approach? I know there are numerous approaches you can take to deal with the conflicting light, but I usually take what I believe to be the easiest approach. I let my digital camera do all the work.
I set the camera on auto exposure and I get the exposure of the most neutral area I can find in the waterfall or surrounding area. I choose an area as near as possible to the area I plan to focus on but an area with no bright sunlight or dark shadows. After I meter, or get my exposure, I hold down the button to lock the exposure and then re-adjust my composition for the picture I want to take.
Once I take this picture I look at the outcome and see how it came out. If it appears too washed out in any important areas I adjust my exposure down a stop or two and recapture the shot. I then take another look at the results. If it is now too dark with no details in certain areas, I just open the aperture back up by a stop or a half stop.
This is the best thing about digital cameras, you can preview and try again.
Shutter Speed Information on the Technical Side
- Shutter Speeds
- How shutter speed effects the outcome of your photos.
Shutter Speed Guide
- Shutter Speed Guide
- This article by Ron Risman will help you understand shutter speed more clearly. It will address issues you encounter when taking a waterfall image.
Camera Bags for the Waterfall Trip
Tripods on eBay
You might want to use a good tripod when shooting your waterfall. The tripod will help achieve a good image when shooting with a slow shutter speed.
Fetching new data from eBay now... please stand by
Zazzle.com
- My Zazzle Products
- Some T-shirts designed with an eagle and a bear.
Photographing a Waterfall
How to Photograph Waterfalls
www.NaturePhotographyClub.com. Learn the photographic tips and techniques used by professional photographers to photograph beautiful waterfall pictures.
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Great Waterfall Books
Abrams Falls
Hike 2: Abrams Falls
Short video of Abrams Falls located near Cades Cove in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park.
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Please Tell Me What You Think
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Mazzer
This is a really great lens - full of beautiful images and information. 5***** Posted August 26, 2008 |
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goinspire
Awesome lenses! Way to go. I knew Squidoo and you would be a perfect fit! Posted August 18, 2008 |
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The_Homeopath
I love the waterfalls in Yellowstone Park. I've built up quite a collection of photographs from them. Not necessarily the "big" ones, some of the lesser-known, secluded falls are so much more interesting. Posted August 17, 2008 |
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Aarnaquq
Wow. Who knew there was so much to know about taking photos of waterfalls! Your images are beautiful. Thanks so much for the great lens. Posted August 04, 2008 |
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poddys
Very nice lens, 5***** The most amazing waterfalls I have been to were Iguassu, on the border of Argentina and Brazil. Almost 300 falls over a 2 1/2 mile stretch of the river. The giant horseshoe makes Niagara look a bit sad by comparison. I would love to go back there. Posted July 23, 2008 |
