Waterfalls and Rivers
1. Aperture
2. Downstream location
3. Polarizing filter
4. Curved composition
5. Cable remote and tripod
6. White balance
7. Weather
8. Risk of damage to your camera
Shutter speed - 1 second to 30 seconds for silky smooth streams, select 1/30 of a second for more definition in the water, ideally
1/2 to 1/4 of a second to get smooth water but also retain detail
in the water.
Cloghleagh Bridge, Co Wicklow.
Canon Eos 5D, tripod and Polarizing filter.
F/11.0, 0.8 seconds, iso 400, fl 50mm
Aperture - choose a small aperture f/11.0-f/16.0 to maintain a
good depth of field throughout the entire scene.
Composition - look for lead in lines also try to isolate elements in the scene.
Lighting and weather - overcast is the best weather conditions for this type of photography, helps maintain even lighting conditions.
Polarizing filter - to reduce glare off the water also a polarizing filter will give you a 2 stop light reduction for slower shutter speeds.
White balance - shooting on an overcast day use a cloudy or shade setting.
Photograph from extreme angles for unusual and unique views.
Select a high view point for an aerial shot with snaking curves, view from bridges, cliffs or mountains.
Frame the flow of water.
Get your feet wet, get into the stream for another unique view point.