Technique Corner: Waterfall Photography - Part I

Winter snow melt creates fast moving rivers, producing dramatic waterfalls along its journey to the sea.  As a photographer, who can resist taking inspiring waterfall photographs? For me, I enjoy sitting nearby and listening to the sounds of water cascading over and across the rocks.

How do you see a waterfall in your photographer’s minds-eye? Do you capture the water drops crashing against the rocks, or enjoy the smooth silky water flows taken with a long shutter speed? Do you take in the whole natural scene, or focus in close, capturing each individual drama of the falling water against rock?

      

In this edition of Technical Corner, we will discuss the equipment you need to take beautiful and exciting waterfall photographs. In Part II, we will discuss how to view a waterfall, how to explore and discover the intricate drama beyond the overall scene.

Tripod:

A sturdy tripod is imperative for capturing waterfalls using slow shutter speeds (any shutter speed less than 1/15^th of a second, and more so when at multiple seconds). We suggest that your choice of tripod be based on weight and convenience, yet sturdy.  Many waterfalls require a walk or hike from the parking area, so a tripod that retracts to a smaller size and one that is light will be  benefit. Visit a local camera store to find the one that fits your price range  (support your local camera shop when you can). 

If you don't have a tripod, find a bench or flat rock to steady your camera. 

Shutter Release:

When using a slow shutter speed, it is important to keep your camera steady to prevent your image from being “shaky”. A remote shutter release allows the camera shutter to be activated without physically touching the camera. The release can be connected to your camera though a short wire, or via wireless. We do not suggest the infrared wireless, which requires line of sight. Wireless allows you more freedom to be further from your camera (often up to 150’).

A typical wire shutter release is $20.  Wireless can be similarly priced with some offering the ability to release the shutter from your iPhone/Android device.

 If you do not have a shutter release, you can use the cameras self timer.

Neutral Density Filter:

Lastly, be sure to have a Neutral Density (ND) filter for each lens you plan to use for your waterfall photography. This is an invaluable filter for creating the silky time exposures that effectively conveys the waters motion.

On a bright sunny day, even at your lowest ISO setting (100 for instance), the slowest shutter speed that may be usable is 1/125 or 1/60^th.  A slower speed and your photos begin to look washed out – too much light is entering your camera. And at these speeds, you are more likely to freeeze the individual water drops – then to get the real motion you are seeking.

The solution – the neutral density filter - inhibits light coming into your camera, allowing the use of slower shutter speeds. These filters come in different sizes (width) for each lens – and in different degrees of “light reduction”. Typically an ND 2 (also expressed as 0.3) blocks ‘1’ stop. ND 4 (.6) blocks 2 stops – an ND 8 (.9) blocks 3 stops – all the way to an ND 256 ( 2.4) blocks 8 stops.  There are also variable ND filters, which are more convenient – allowing for a range of light resistance of (typically) 1-5 stops. In a pinch, a Polarizer Filter will block approximately 2 stops. We suggest a minimum of ND8/ND10 for the most effectiveness.

Click for more information on using ND filters.

Alternatively, visit the waterfall on a cloudy day, which naturally produces less light on your subject.

Exploring waterfalls are a great way to enjoy photography and get outside. 

In our next article, the first in a series on “Composition and Seeing, Expanding your Digital Vision”, we will discuss how to look at a waterfall in ways you might not have considered. And we will also discuss other creative uses of the Neutral Density filter.

NJ Photography Workshop and Classes: Join us Saturday, April 21 10am at Bushkill Falls exploring eight amazing waterfalls on a easy to walk trail. Sign up today, since class size is limited.