Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

Images from Great Falls VA National Park (Mather Gorge)
Both images were from precisely the same position (tripod) at the same time of day.

The only variable in the mix was a B&W 62mm 10 Stop ND Filter and a 2 second exposure.

In keeping with this Forum's Guidelines:
"Try to include the specifications of your gear and settings in the post accompanying the pictures. Stating aperture, shutter speed, ISO would be great. Even better would be to also include your body and lens specs. This really helps others learn what settings work in various scenarios."

To this end I'm providing all the aforementioned data (including an image of the actual kit used) in a following post to this thread. Hoping others on this site will realize how helpful image data can be to other photographers on the forum and follow suit (as in in bridge).

Camera: Nikon D700 (1/640) f/11; ISO: 200; FL 250mm
Note: For second image Exposure was (2 seconds) all else remained the same
Lens: Vintage (circa 1989) AF 75-300mm f/4.5-5.6 Nikkor

For both images:
Tripod: SIRUI T-100SX (Travel & Hiking)
Tripod Head: SIRUI L-20S

Final thoughts: The aluminum lightweight travel & hiking tripod wasn't up to this task... and acuity suffered accordingly. Experience being a brutal teacher I will return with my massive Manfrotto 055-PROB (made in Italy) Tripod to re-shoot the Gorge. Simply another epic fail to learn from.

Hope this might be useful...
Thanks!
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(Mather Gorge) Nikon D700 (1/640) f/11; ISO: 200; FL 250mm

(Download)

(Mather Gorge) Nikon D700 (2 seconds) f/11; ISO: 200; FL 250mm

(Download)

UTMike Loc: South Jordan, UT

Excellent work, Thomas! I favor the "real" water in #1. Brings back memories of all our hikes and bike rides up the Potomac when we lived in Arlington.

kpmac Loc: Ragley, La

I like the soft water look in #2.

Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

Image of Kit used for the above Mather Gorge imagery
A Vintage (circa 1989) AF 75-300mm f/4.5-5.6 Nikkor

Camera Illustrated: Nikon D700 (1/640) f/11; ISO: 200; FL 250mm
Lens: Vintage (circa 1989) AF 75-300mm f/4.5-5.6 Nikkor

Camera Used: Nikon D7200 (Aperture Priority) 1/320 sec; F/8; ISO: 2200; Auto WB
Lens: Sigma 17-50mm AF f/2.8, DC, OS, EX, HSM, FL 40mm (60mm FX)
Speedlight: Nikon SB700 on camera (bounced)

Hand held...
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(Download)

Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

Many thanks UTMike... totally understand "...memories of all our hikes and bike rides up the Potomac..." This Park is a real gem of outstanding natural beauty... I've spent many wonderful days hiking, kayaking and biking here... Highly recommended... and so close to Washington DC!

Gabyto

Beautiful pictures and all the information regarding the equipment used and set points are a plus. This information really helps us the ametures. I have one question regarding the tripod. I don't have one, but I will eventually get one. I need something that can handle heavy weight. What are your recommendations?. Thank you for your help.

Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

Me too kpmac... In fact I've already sold a 14x20 inch print of the "postcard" soft water image... which was the narrative I've was trying to achieve... Just wanted higher acuity on this 2 second exposure... will re-shoot this autumn when the foliage is at it's peak...

Thanks again!

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Great results.

Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

Thank you for your thoughtful feedback Gabyto...
"...I need something that can handle heavy weight. What are your recommendations?"

Gabyto I purchased my Manfrotto 055-PROB a decade ago... at the time it was highly rated.
Sadly it is no longer in production so I'm at a loss to recommend a good replacement...

However nearly all tripods will have a "load rating" thus you'll want to select one that will support at least double what you believe you'll be using on it.

btw; I chose aluminum for tripods but carbon fiber for my monopods since they are hand held and I shoot soccer in very cold weather... Aluminum is like a heat sink and will pull the warmth from your hands even with gloves on...

Might ask in the Main Section thought folks tend to favor the kit they already use...
Hope this helps...

Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

Thanks for the positive feedback jerryc41... it is appreciated...

Just Fred Loc: Darwin's Waiting Room

Nice shots, Thomas. I too, prefer #1. The scene is too dynamic to make it "flow" as in the second image, IMO.

I love Great Falls NP. It's where I bought my lifetime Senior National Parks pass on my 62nd birthday. I live only about 15 miles from there.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

Thanks Just Fred... agree that the first image is wonderful for reflecting the dynamic motion of this cascading torrent.... funny how it's a very small world... I also purchased my lifetime Senior National Parks pass at this location... I'm located only about 17 minutes away in Reston... It is by far my favorite locale and I spend much quality time there... just took several friends for a day's hike last Sunday... They totally loved it!

Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

Many thanks for the thumbs up Longshadow... it is truly appreciated!

photophile Loc: Lakewood, Ohio, USA