deanfl Loc: Georgia

Linda From Maine asked that I do a tutorial after I recently posted the first 2 photos in the Photo Gallery. Others also mentioned a tutorial, so I decided to go ahead and do one. I added two new photos as all were taken with a similar approach.

1. Hardware: I used a Nikon D7100 on a tripod. I used a Nikon 16-85mm lens, with a circular polarizing filter, for the first 2 pix, and a Sigma 10-20mm for #3 and #4.

2. Camera Settings: Raw, Aperture Priority, f/8 to f/16, 1/2 second to 20 seconds, ISO 100, 3 bracketed shots. Linda asked how I decide on shutter speed. I pick an f stop based on water volume and the look I’m going for. The shutter speed will change from those decisions. I normally don’t pay attention to what my shutter speed actually is.

3. Taking The Photo: Frame the scene in live view. Use the 2 second self timer.

4. Post: I process the 3 bracketed shots in Photomatix Pro. I finish in Photoshop Elements 14.

The above is currently how I approach most of my landscape photos, not just waterfalls.

I hope the above may be helpful.

f/16, 1 sec, 20mm, ISO 100

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f/16, 1/2 sec, 26mm, ISO100

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f/16, 20 sec, 14mm, ISO 100

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f/8, 1/2 sec, 20mm, ISO 100

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Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Dean, thank you so much for your generosity in taking the time to do this thread! I found your photos so inspiring and what interested me, as you referenced, was how you decided which shutter speed to use. I imagine you've had quite a bit of experience with waterfalls, so you know quickly what look you want to achieve. It's funny to hear you say you achieve "the look" via a change in aperture rather than shutter speed. We all seem to have a favorite way to reach the same goal - even in pp.

In general, I think there could be some value in discussing "water volume" further. For me, the massive raging waterfalls just don't look right with silky water In photo #1 you've combined color and light with your soft water to create a wonderfully magical mood. I like them all, but that is my favorite.

You mentioned there were other folks asking about a tutorial; be sure they know you've posted in FYC. Unfortunately, new users are not automatically subscribed to specialty forums (UHH has a lot of 'em!). When not subscribed, a forum's postings do not show up in a user's "newest topics" nor are any included in the email digest.

Thank you again; I would love to see much more of these kinds of topics throughout UHH!

kenievans Loc: Dallas

Dean these are just beautiful and I really appreciate the effort that you made to document your process and thoughts. I especially love the shot of the mill. I am assuming the wheel was not turning or its motion would have been blurred. As a relatively newcomer to photography it helps to have a starting reference point for these types of shots rather than guessing and floundering. I realize mine not be exactly the same but I now feel more comfortable knowing where I could start with similar lenses. Thanks again for posting!

R.G. Loc: Scotland

Where you are using the expression "water volume" I would describe the same thing as "delicacy of flow". Delicate trickles can be enhanced and at the same time softened by a long exposure. More vigorous flow on the other hand is best left with just a touch of motion blur to enhance the movement aspect of the flow, and at the same time the turbulence isn't lost.

deanfl Loc: Georgia

I think you explained that very well. Thank you.

Cwilson341 Loc: Central Florida

Dean, it is very nice of you to share your techniques. Florida doesn't have much in the way of waterfalls (unless they are in a pool) but other water here, such as beaches, can benefit from the same processes as waterfalls. You've hit on some very important points - the use of a tripod and a polarizer when needed are both very important. I also like that you do exposure bracketing. I don't use it all the time but in some cases a very gentle touch of HDR can make all the difference in the world and still produce a very natural scene!

Islandgal Loc: Vancouver Island, British Columbia. Canada

So I could not achieve the transparent look with this waterfall being there with no "space" behind it? What could I have done to make it better? Thank you!

Canon 5D 50mm 1/50 sec f11 ISO 400 Manual exp. Lense 50mm 1.8

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deanfl Loc: Georgia

I think the main issue here is the scene itself. It would be better with no branches blocking the falls. I think a vertical shot may look better, showing more water. Next time I would use an ISO of 100, with the camera on a tripod. A fast lens is also not an advantage when shooting a waterfall. If I was using a fast lens, I would suggest using a neutral density filter to let in less light.

I hope this helps.

Islandgal Loc: Vancouver Island, British Columbia. Canada

Thank you deanfl, the scene was sort of what it was.... restricted access shot through a chain link fence. Tripod wasn't possible as I was hanging off the fence more or less. I will use the ND filter next time and decrease the ISO. Much appreciation.

deanfl Loc: Georgia

Thanks for the review! Basic, even kit lenses, are fine for capturing good looking waterfalls.

Islandgal Loc: Vancouver Island, British Columbia. Canada

Please excuse my bad manners, your work is beautiful deanfl and the time taken to do the tutorial appreciated as well. Trish

deanfl Loc: Georgia

Carol, Thank you for commenting! It sounds like you know what you are doing.

deanfl Loc: Georgia

Trish, No worries.....thank you for the compliment....and for taking the time to get back to me. I do appreciate it.

John N Loc: HP14 3QF Stokenchurch, UK

Very enjoyable, I particularly like no.2 where I feel you have made the most of a minimal flow with verdant greens just to perfection. If it were my shot I would have removed the fence rail to the lower left which I feel detracts from the overall image.

No.3 is a very nice scene and no.4 shows not only the flow but the twists and turns in the flow as well.

No.1 looks a little off horizontal to me.

Rathyatra Loc: Southport, United Kingdom

WOW!! - those are great - thank for the tutorial.