llindstrand Loc: Seattle Metro

I'm glad I waited till late to add on to this post. I have pictures of Bridalveil falls in Yosemite last year and they don't look at all like yours. Mine are all done as panoramas in order to get the whole setting. I use the same camera as you do but a 17-85 lens. I shoot on a tripod, AV, f22, & ISO100. I always shoot in raw as it gives me the best options for editing. At ISO 400 I start getting an excessive amount of noise. I have since purchased Canon's 18 to 200 lens and like it quite well. I don't get a perfect focus every time so I take a sufficient number of photos to compensate. What's nice about digital is that it doesn't cost more to throw away bad images. The professional photographers throw a lot in the trash can. I've attached mine taken with the above settings. I hope you don't mind as maybe it could help you in your photographic journey.

Bridalview Falls Yosemite Nat Park

lachmap Loc: Sydney Australia

Hi Llindstrand, very nice pic. What speed was that? I agree about the tripod. One day. Yes I know about the noise factor. Have noticed that hand-held is harder these days as I find it difficult to stop the camera moving unless I lean it against something.

So to sum it up it looks as though I will either have to have a tripod with me most of the time, take my time, take many shots of the one thing to get one or two good ones, and practice a lot more.

Pity about the tripod bit.

Found a fantastic spider web at the park this morning but had 4 dogs with me. So had to hand hold. Low light and a breeze meant I had to go to 800 ISO to get a fast enough speed (1/500) to cancel the movement and get a large enough F stop (f16) to get some depth into it. Once again, as I am learning, I tried to manually focus which as I said earlier is easier for me when close up and there is some contrast. You can see the pic below. I have increased the saturation, sharpened and edge-preserve smoothed. This is also cut slightly.

I also had to be quick to snap a pic because the dogs of course come over to see what I am doing and walk all over it.

Spider web in park.

renomike Loc: Reno, Nevada

You might want to get a Monopod. Easier and faster than a tripod, but not as motion free. Most of the big time sports photographers use them. I use one a lot.

Mike

llindstrand Loc: Seattle Metro

Those were shot at 1/25th sec on AV. You have to be steady at that slow a speed. That is where you are apt to get the better quality of the waterfall. We were extremely lucky on that trip as there was a lot of snow up above so we had enormous water flows. Also focus was 85mm. I am not happy at times carrying a tripod. The first one I got was a light aluminum and I still use it if I have to carry a long time. However, it wasn't very sturdy so I bought a heavier one with a better head that would adjust in all planes. Also picked up a panoramic indexer as I take a lot of panoramas. Even with all that I am happy if I get one ot of a hundred images that is special. In that there may be several that are quite good but don't have perfect focus. The picture that I posted is made up out of about 9 images as it is a triple row panorama. If you are interested there are a lot more on my website:http://www.photosbyswede.com I also have a mono-pod, but I cannot set it up steady enough to do that kind of panorama
Swede

lachmap Loc: Sydney Australia

Thanks mate. My daughter and I were there 3 years ago. Wonderful trip.

I think a monopod would really help - either that or a tripod with one leg extended!!!!!

ftpecktim Loc: MONTANA

Nice shop'n, what sharpening tool do you use, i like the high pass filter.

Di.Longstreet Loc: Georgetown, Maine

I too felt that my photos were soft focused After months of practicing different weather conditions and times of day, it became obvious that sunny days were sharpest, gray days were softer. Maybe someone was pulling my leg, but they said there is more moisture in the air on overcast days and moisture affects the clarity of a shot. Think of fog on the water, and go with the flow- some days you will be off.

renomike Loc: Reno, Nevada

I haven't tried that one as yet, but I've heard good things about using high pass. I have three I use, depending on which works best for the photo I'm working on. I have Topaz InFocus, Topaz Lens Effect, and Zoner Studio Pro 13 which has a few different one in the program. I also have a few different PS ones too.

Mike

georgeretired Loc: Manitoba Canada

Lachmap....You have received LOTS of great advice and technical input. I have the same Camera along with several Canon lens including the original 17-85. My input is to pack a lunch, bring an extra battery or two and go out somewhere you like to shoot. Bring a log book and go through some of the setting suggested by other photographers. Practice, practice and practice. The next day look at your pictures and consult the log. May seem tedious but as a photographer I never stop learning, never stop reading and never stop practicing and experimenting. Good shooting.

Iowegan

No leg pulling going on with humidity and weather conditions, times of day, etc.

Depending on time of year here, and the type picture you're trying to take, humidity can be both a benefit, and. or, a curse.

Something I found was causing me troubles with focus, especially with viewfinder, which I do almost ALWAYS, is the diopter correction. That little knob can get bumped without realizing it, and I have trouble focusing, so I search trying to find the sweet spot.

renomike Loc: Reno, Nevada

You peaked my interest... So I had to try it. You are right, it does do a great job. Thanks, another great tool in the belt....;0)

Mike

PearlyGates Loc: All over but live in Denver

I am new to this and I am NO expert so this is just my opinion...I think I would have used a lower ISO (100) and have your white balance on either auto or sun and if you have a landscape photo style in your menu. I would keep practicing. At least the falls aren't going anywhere:)

henrycrafter Loc: Orem Utah

I have three comments
1. Use a tripod
2. Use a tripod
3. Use a tripod

Dr Rae Loc: Sarasota Florida

Nicely done rework Renomike.

debi r Loc: washington state

try and drop ISO to 200 and use shutter mode to see if this helps any. have a nikon d5000 and starting to learn how to use other modes to get better pictures, enjoy and play with all the setting