CWhite Loc: Riga, Mi

Went out early this morning for a walk in the park and found this little waterfall. It was early, with a light fog over the lake, so I didn't use a filter. Had to hand-hold, since I had a very small window to shoot through. I like them, let me know what you think. Remember, please, I DO NOT do post processing to speak of. Please keep critics to suggestions on improving with the camera, as I would like to do that, not work on a computer. Camera is a Canon T3i, First picture is in full manual, ISO 200, f-16 at 1/6 shutter. Second picture is in Priority Shutter Mode, ISO 200, f-20 at 1/4 shutter with -1/3 exp.

First attempt


Second attempt

abby Loc: Tampa, Florida

Nice shots for your first attempt. Glad to see another photography who loves to take pictures with their camera and not with their computer! Like yourself, I do not own photoshop, elements, lightroom, etc. just a MAC computer.

In my opinion, the color and lighting is OK. What most people attempt to achieve with moving water shots is that "silky", smooth look on the water, best to be achieved with a slower shutter speed - 3 or 4 seconds or even greater, depending on the water source and light conditions(waterfall vs. waves, etc.)
Many people shoot these scenes near dark - morning or evening - so you can leave the shutter open longer. A tripod is a must and it's nice to have a lower vantage point on the water. If you can't shoot near sunrise or dusk, close down your aperture ( as you did somewhat ) and use a polarizing filter and some neutral density filters or both. ( I don't consider using filters as "cheating" like enhancing your photos in photoshop - film photographers have used these for years and these 2 filters are the secret to many great landscape photos ) If you use very dark filters, you should focus first and lock the focus then apply the filters.

Probably more information than you wanted. I'm sure there are plenty of others on this web site with other ideas.

Good luck.

Abby

CWhite Loc: Riga, Mi

Thanks Abby, no not to much info at all. It was early morning, sun was only about 2/3 up the trees in the woods next to me, and it was fairly foggy. There was a lot of water running over the falls, if you increase the time the shutter is open, with a lot of water, will you still get a silky look? I have a ND 4 that I just bought that I could have used, I might try going back and using that with a tripod. If I can sneak down without the rangers getting mad (I try to follow the rules as much as I can) I might be able to get even with the falls.
I know it will take longer to get good, but it means more to me if I get it "right" out of the camera. It's nice to hear from someone that feels the same way.
Thanks again :mrgreen:

Paul B. Loc: North Carolina

For right out of the camera and hand held I thank you did very good.