chuja

Good morning UHH cummunity,
I'm new in this forum and on digital photography, please take it easy on me.
I'm going this weekend to the Canadian side of the Niagara Falls and I would like to get your advise on how to get good shots while in there. I have an entry level Nikon D3400 with the kit lenses (18-55mm and 70-300mm) and a cheap tripod.

johneccles Loc: Leyland UK

You might find the tripod unnecessary with all the crowds viewing the falls, if you have some patience you will soon be able to get right next to the falls.
If you get on one of the upper roads which are not that crowded you could use a tripod there, the other opportunity is to go up the Skylon tower where you will get even more excellent photographs.

solomonv

The state park on the Canadian side is a little quieter, and you might be able to get some nice shots.

LFingar Loc: Claverack, NY

Welcome to the UHH!

Haven't been to the falls in 20 yrs or so, but I believe I am still correct in stating:
The Canadian side definitely has the better photo opportunities, IMO. There is a nice walk right alongside the river up to the top of the falls. Good views, plus nicely maintained gardens, as I recall. At the top of the falls you can take a tour that takes you into the tunnels behind the face of the falls. Not great for photo ops, but it is impressive to look out and see all of that water coming down in front of you. It also brings you out on a platform at the base of the falls. Good low angle photo ops of the falls, old power station, and the falls basin. The entire tour ranges from damp to wet (they give you plastic rain gear before getting to the platform), so be mindful of your camera. A good amount of spray comes off the falls, but if you keep your camera under your rain gear and pick your spots to shoot from, you should be OK.
Don't know if you can walk out on the International Bridge which crosses the river below the falls, but if you can it would be a good photo spot.
There is also a restaurant in a tall tower. You can get a meal and photos at the same time!
The falls are lit up at night, if I remember correctly. Save your tripod for those times. The rest of the time I think it would just be a nuisance.

Jay Pat Loc: Round Rock, Texas, USA

I would visit both sides!!!!
2X for Skylon. If you have a wide angle lens, you can capture both falls in one image.
Pat

mrpentaxk5ii

It's been a looooooooooooong time since I have been at the Falls, you might want to rent an ultra wide lens for this trip. Take a boat ride on the Maid of the Mist, it will get you close to the falls. While you are their have dinner at The Skylon Tower, it has a revolving dining room. One last thing, the falls are lit up at night so if you have a tripod you may want to bring it to photograph the falls at night. enjoy your trip....Jim M

rehess Loc: South Bend, Indiana, USA

Haydon

Get there REALLY early or you will find NO parking on the Canadian side. It's a zoo if you aren't there early.

Revet Loc: Fairview Park, Ohio

I was there two weeks ago. I got great shots from the Canadian side with my 16-80 lens so I think your 18-55 should be fine. I used a CPF for glare since it was a sunny day. There are multiple areas from close up and down the road for nice photo ops. For some reason I just did not think the falls would lend itself to a long exposure shot so I did not bother with a tripod. I also got some great shots from the Hornblower boat (Canadian Maid of the Mist). The rapids downstream is worth visiting also for some nice photos.

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jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Niagara Falls is on my ever-growing list of places to visit. Here are some links to tips.

https://loadedlandscapes.com/guide-to-photographing-niagara-falls/
http://uponarriving.com/2015/12/12/tips-for-photographing-niagara-falls/
https://jpgmag.com/stories/17150

repleo Loc: Boston

Water spray can be a problem near any good sized waterfall - especially on the Maid of the MIST. Bring something to protect your gear. You may need to wipe your lens frequently so consider using a clear or UV filter. Don't change lenses near the falls.

Needless to say - don't climb over any barriers to get that 'special' shot.

dalematt Loc: Goderich, Ontario, Canada

Travel downstream (north) for more photo opportunities other than the Falls. If you are also a golfer, there are a lot of excellent courses. The Whirlpool GC is maintained by the horticultural students at the local college (that's a hint as to its beauty). Butterfly observatory. Brock monument. Whirlpool cable car. Jet boat rides. Botanical Gardens. Winery tours.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

Floral clock and Canadian Horticultural Gardens on Niagara Parkway, also the 150th Canadian Anniversary sign at the horse shoe falls.

Halkeye Loc: Sandiego, CA.

I was there two weeks ago at the american side. Got A lot of good shots day and night. You have to get on the Island to get some great shots, No problem with mist.

Silverman Loc: Michigan

Do not drop your Camera over the Railing, DO not get your Camera Wet. ( they sell special "Raincoats" for DSLR Cameras, look at B&H, Adorama, etc.)
If you use Shutter Priority you might create some stunning images of the falls.
Look at some of the Post Cards, pick a few you really like, then try to create that same image with your Camera. (Good Practice)
Have extra SDHC cards, 16gb, 32gb,etc.
Extra already charged Batteries.(no place to plug in a charger)
A Tripod may come in handy. (away from the crowds.)
A good Speedlite Flash too.
Insurance on your equipment. (If stolen)
a comfortable (to carry) Camera Bag. ( A camera Vest with a variety of pockets is also an idea)
Please let us know how your trip to the "Falls" turns out with a few Photos here online that you created, Share with all your UHH friends.
Besides the "Falls" there will be many other great photo opportunities, go explore the whole area. (if time allows)