In this lesson: Learn how to utilize the shutter to convey movement in water

Waterfalls are a gorgeous landscape subject and an ideal candidate for long exposures. They can be used as a visual tool to indicate movement of the water, thereby giving your image a greater sense of depth and drama.

Perhaps the best thing about photographing waterfalls (aside from their inherent beauty) is that no special gear is required other than a neutral density filter. You can use your same old DSLR, your same old lenses, and your same old tripod and still get breathtaking results.

When it comes to a neutral density filter, buy the best one that you can afford. Though there are many cheap filters out there, they are a lot like cheap lenses – most are worthless. If you have a good lens, it doesn’t make sense to put a below-average piece of glass in front of it!

Other things to consider:

• Photograph the waterfall when it is completely in shadow or when there is cloud cover. This will help avoid hot spots of bright highlights or dark shadows. Instead, with nice, even lighting and your neutral density filter, you can get an ideal shot of the waterfall.
• Adjust your camera settings to the type of waterfall before you. A fast, raging waterfall can handle a faster shutter speed that still results in blurred movement. A lazy, dainty waterfall requires a longer shutter speed to get the level of blur desired.
• After you take your long exposure, examine the landscape for any signs of softness, particularly in the leaves of trees (which will move during the exposure). If need be, take a second shot of the exact same scene, but speed up the shutter to freeze the movement of leaves and other landscape elements. Then, blend that image with the long exposure of the waterfall in post-processing for a sharp image throughout.
• You’ll need to experiment with your other camera settings as well. Each waterfall is different, and the lighting conditions will be different for every frame you shoot. Be prepared to put in a lot of behind-the-scenes work to perfect the image!

When it comes to camera settings, again, each situation will be different so it’s impossible to pin down a precise set of recommendations that will work every time. That said, here’s a good place to start:

• Shooting mode: Manual
• ISO: 100
• Aperture: f/8
• Shutter Speed: Will depend on ISO and aperture settings; remember – the faster the water, the faster the shutter speed you can use. Where 1 second might work for a fast-moving waterfall, 4 or 5 seconds or longer might be required for slower waterfalls

Challenge Activity

With a variety of shutter speeds, you can effectively change how water looks and feels in an image. Challenge yourself to make a series of images that both stop and blur falling water. Often, blurred water looks so appealing because sharply defined and focused trees and rocks typically surround it, making for a dynamic conceptual contrast. When undertaking this activity, beware of very slippery conditions!

Step 1: Scout a location for photographing a waterfall. When planning your outing, bear in mind the advantage of having the waterfall in shadow or shooting under overcast skies. Time your visit appropriately to reap the benefits of even lighting.

Step 2: Using a tripod, set up your camera, framing the shot to take advantage of the movement of the water. Remember to include other elements like rocks and trees to give contrast to the moving water.

Step 3: After composing your shot and getting the focus squared away, attach your neutral density filter. Bear in mind that the power of the filter you use will in part determine the shutter speed you need. Consult the documentation materials that came with your filter to examine what shutter speeds are adequate for the filter you’re using.

Step 4: Take a few practice images, experimenting with the shutter speed, aperture, and ISO to get the desired movement and a well-exposed image. Once you have the desired look, take the shot.

Step 5: Practice working the camera’s controls to get increased or decreased levels of blur on the water. You might also try selecting a shutter speed that allows you to freeze the movement completely. Examine the series of photos, noting how the changes you made resulted in visual differences between each image.