Creating Special Effects with Flowing Water

Photographing moving water is a lot of fun because many different effects can be achieved depending on the shutter speed selected. Set exposure using a fast shutter speed, and the water will be frozen in time. Spray and foam will be rendered in sharp detail. Use a slow shutter speed, and the water takes on a moody, ethereal quality. The right exposure depends on the effect you are looking for. In this picture, I wanted the water to appear moving, and I like the tranquil mood the blurred water evokes.

Wide angles lenses are probably more useful for shooting waterfalls, although a telephoto may sometimes be useful. Generally though, you'll probably use 35, 28, and 24mm lenses most often. Later on, you'll learn that slow shutter speeds are essential for creating the sense of water in motion. This means that you MUST use a tripod when shooting waterfalls. A solid tripod and shutter release will make the difference between success and failure in your waterfall pictures.

Shutter speeds of 1/4 second to one or two seconds will create an effect similar to what you see here. The slower the exposure, the more blurred the water. Adjust exposure to try several different shutter speeds to see which you like best.

Some care should be taken when setting exposure. In this photograph here, there is enough medium toned subject that a center weighted or multi-segmented meter should give a good reading. But if white water predominates in your picture, then the same precautions as for snow or other bright subjects should be taken.