ND filter CC (of course it is water)

[niccas9]

First time having success with using ND filters (be aware that I use the term "success" very loosely at this point). I personally like the color tones of 3 and 4 best with 4 being my favorite as far as crop, just seems that the rocks in the foreground may be a tad overexposed to me. 1 and 2 looked as if they would be better shots because the water was moving in a more dynamic path. It didn't have the mossy greens so they don't seem as vibrant to me. Please let me know what you think. Thanks so much.

1

2

3.

4.

 

[KevinPutman]

I love 3,
4 would be much better if the tree thing wasn't in the way.

 

[480sparky]

I think you're really narrowing down the details of using the NDs correctly. Personally, I'd prefer a slightly longer exposure in #1, but that's just me. The other 3 are spot-on for the blurred water effect, IMHO.

 

[niccas9]

Thanks for the replies.

Sparky- Even with my ND filter being labeled as a 6 stop, it really isn't. I had the sun behind me blasting off of the rock and I had fstop high as it goes and was still getting parts of the shot blown out, I had to end up speeding up my shutter speed. Can you let me know what you mean about narrowing down the correct use of ND filters. Of course I am going to try the stuff just looks cool first. I know there are more uses for an ND filter but I have always been fascinated with the water shots so I thought I would try it.


Cannot believe how much the quality changes from my picture hosting site to here...geez.

 

[480sparky]

.............Sparky- Even with my ND filter being labeled as a 6 stop, it really isn't. I had the sun behind me blasting off of the rock and I had fstop high as it goes and was still getting parts of the shot blown out, I had to end up speeding up my shutter speed. Can you let me know what you mean about narrowing down the correct use of ND filters. Of course I am going to try the stuff just looks cool first. I know there are more uses for an ND filter but I have always been fascinated with the water shots so I thought I would try it.................

Dial your ISO down to the lowest possible setting. You may need to purchase an ND10, or stack a polarizer if you can't get the shutter open for as long as you'd like.

 

[HikinMike]

Hey neighbor, you're just up the road from me! I like the 3rd one.

 

[niccas9]

Sparky - ISO was dialed down as much as possible. I need to get some more filters. I just wanted to play around with what I had to see if I could get any results. I have 0 experience in landscape photography but I want to get some practice in considering I live in between the Sierras and the Pacific. I also teach at a school so I have all summer to go on photo trips. Just need practice.

HikinMike- good to see there is a local here! Let me know if you ever want someone to tag along when you go on a hike/shoot. I dabble in some backpacking and am excited to take the camera out this summer.

 

[TwoTwoLeft]

I don't know what lens you're using, but you can pick up a 10-Stop B+W 58mm on Amazon for under $50. The water in 3 & 4 isn't opaque enough (IMO) . If you want that silky white water effect in the daylight, you'll need a 10-stop. In a shady area like that, you'll be looking at a minimum 30 sec exposure. Nice composition and color though.

 

[The_Wanderer]

I liked

 

[Stryker]

if you could go back and shoot the same location at 1 hour after sunrise or 1 hour before sunset, you'll be surprised you can do up to 25 seconds shutter speed at between f/8 and f/12 using your 6-stop ND filter.

 

[HikinMike]

...
HikinMike- good to see there is a local here! Let me know if you ever want someone to tag along when you go on a hike/shoot. I dabble in some backpacking and am excited to take the camera out this summer.

I used to do a LOT of backpacking/hiking, but in my current state of disrepair, I'm not able to get around as I used to (read my The Photographer link). I just told my wife than I'm due for an early-morning trip to Yosemite while the meadows in the Valley still have water.

Have you ever tried to shoot Half Dome from the Central Valley?