First attempt at blurry water (Page 2): Wiiliam, Thanks, I guess I have an image in my mind (maybe a perfect one) and I feel it wasn't there yet. Fran...

Ben's nana Loc: Chesterland, Ohio

camerapapi wrote:

The image looks fine although if it were mine I would do a color correction. I see lots of blue in it.
The little branch is blurred because of the effect of the wind with a slow shutter speed.

Wiiliam,
Thanks, I guess I have an image in my mind (maybe a perfect one) and I feel it wasn't there yet.
Fran

yssirk123 Loc: New Jersey

Nice first attempt. Lots of good suggestions in this thread.

For me, I do the following things:

Tripod
Remote Shutter Release
ND and circular Polarizing filter (both)
Focus on primary subject before putting filters on
Lowest ISO possible (ie ISO 100)
Aperture at f8 - f11
Shoot in Raw mode
If breezy, take one shot before or after the long exposure at higher shutter speed so the leaves will be sharp, and blend it with the long exposure image in Photoshop

DACabana Loc: Ocala, Florida

A long exposure using a 10x ND filter; taken at Bodega Bay in California.

rdgreenwood Loc: Kennett Square, Pennsylvania

The hardest thing to learn about photography--I'm not even sure it can be learned--is how to compose properly. You've nailed that! Your composition is gorgeous. The rest of it, equipment, settings, attention to the weather, have all been nicely covered above. Stick with your willingness to ask questions and you'll turn the corner in no time.

The one quibble I have is, "Why blurry water?" Blurry water is a popular thing today, but I'm not an advocate of the "trick." Our eye doesn't see blurry water--although, my 75-year old eyes see fewer and fewer clear things every day--and I'm not at all convinced that "blurry water" is more artfully presented than "flowing like your eye sees it water." I suspect the quest for blurry water is an offshoot of the desire to be "painterly." I hate that notion. I have no desire to have my photographs look like paintings. If I wanted to produce images that look "painterly," I'd try to paint. I've never heard an oil painter say she wanted her paintings to look "pastelly" or a pastel artist say he wanted his images to look "photographee," why do photographers apologize for their medium?

You have a wonderful eye. Be a proud photographer, work on sharp focus and judicious use of peripherals, and your photographs will be great. Good luck.

JeffDavidson Loc: Originally Detroit Now Los Angeles

Nice answer.

Ben's nana Loc: Chesterland, Ohio

rdgreenwood wrote:

The hardest thing to learn about photography--I'm ... (show quote)

Thank you so much for the compliment. I have several shots of the area that are not "blurry water" (unfortunately not that one) I like to try new things and the blurred effect is on my list of techniques to master (or at least close to mastery)

Fran

Ben's nana Loc: Chesterland, Ohio

yssirk123 wrote:

Nice first attempt. Lots of good suggestions in this thread.

For me, I do the following things:

Tripod
Remote Shutter Release
ND and circular Polarizing filter (both)
Focus on primary subject before putting filters on
Lowest ISO possible (ie ISO 100)
Aperture at f8 - f11
Shoot in Raw mode
If breezy, take one shot before or after the long exposure at higher shutter speed so the leaves will be sharp, and blend it with the long exposure image in Photoshop

Thanks for the tips. I didn't even think about taking a shot at different SS and then stacking it in PS. That's brilliant. I will definitely try that

Fran

Paladin48 Loc: Orlando

Ben's nana wrote:

So this is my first real attempt at this technique. It was a slightly windy day. I shot at f/20, 1/5 sec, iso 250, on tripod. Although I'm overall happy with it, on magnification the leaves are a little blurry. What could I have done differently?
Thanks in advance,
Fran

Anna Ruby Falls, Helen, GA ... December 6th, 2017 ... The day before the snow "trapped" us in the cabin.
D610, 24mm, 1.3sec, f20, ISO50.
No tripod handy so I braced on a fence rail. Sure wish I did have a tripod though. Would have been MUCH better.

Ben's nana Loc: Chesterland, Ohio

Paladin48 wrote:

Anna Ruby Falls, Helen, GA ... December 6th, 2017 ... The day before the snow "trapped" us in the cabin.
D610, 24mm, 1.3sec, f20, ISO50.
No tripod handy so I braced on a fence rail. Sure wish I did have a tripod though. Would have been MUCH better.

Lovely shot thanks for sharing it
Fran

Paladin48 Loc: Orlando

Ben's nana wrote:

Lovely shot thanks for sharing it
Fran

Thank, Ben's nana.

Snap Shot Loc: California

Great job Fran! Well done!

Paladin48 Loc: Orlando

Ben's nana wrote:

Lovely shot thanks for sharing it
Fran

You're welcome, Fran

JohnH3 Loc: Auburn, AL

The attached picture was my first attempt at blurred water with a good tripod and an L-Series Lens. I stumbled upon the location on the French Broad River. It was literally dusk when I set the tripod and dark when I walked out. I think this particular shot was taken at F16 with a 15 second exposure. I had it printed on a gallery wrap for my wife. I admit I was proud when I went to the camera store to pick up the print and while I was standing there 4 or 5 people asked the owner who took the shot! I am so new at this almost serious shooting that I get elated about any success or one that someone else at least perceived it was a successful shot.

I have looked through you shots. You are very good. Your captures of animals is exceptional! Love your Amelia Island shots! Love Amelia Island and the GA Golden Isles!

JH

gregoryd45 Loc: Fakahatchee Strand

Ben's nana wrote:

So this is my first real attempt at this technique. It was a slightly windy day. I shot at f/20, 1/5 sec, iso 250, on tripod. Although I'm overall happy with it, on magnification the leaves are a little blurry. What could I have done differently?
Thanks in advance,
Fran

Very nice Fran

Ben's nana Loc: Chesterland, Ohio

JohnH3 wrote:

The attached picture was my first attempt at blurr... (show quote)

First, your picture is amazing! You should be proud. And thank you so much for your kind words. I do love taking pictures. I guess I like nature shots in general, especially animals.
Fran