Shooting waterfalls. Looking for feedback

Lodovico · Oct 11, 2013

Trying to get some of the technique down. Looking for critique. thanks!

Camera Nikon D3100
Exposure 0.5
Aperture f/16.0
Focal Length 55 mm
ISO Speed 100
Exposure Bias 0 EV
Flash No Flash

Braineack · Oct 11, 2013

Get an ND filter, shoot longer, and compose the shot a bit better.

tirediron · Oct 11, 2013

Definitely a longer exposure; probably in the 2-3 second range for this I think. A polarizing filter would be very beneficial as well. Consider moving around to your left to try and get a more 'head on' perspective, but still keeping the diagonal flow.

Stevepwns · Oct 11, 2013

If you can get more to the front of it and lower, that would be ideal. You got the right idea, I try to stay to the lower front side that the fall is flowing too.

cbarnard7 · Oct 11, 2013

I would definitely consider a polarizing filter. It'll let you shoot a little slower and will help with the blown out water.

Lodovico · Oct 17, 2013

Thanks for the feedback. Definitely had a polarizing filter on at the time though.

Stevepwns · Oct 17, 2013

Lodovico said:
Thanks for the feedback. Definitely had a polarizing filter on at the time though.

If you already had a CPL on and your lens was stopped down as far as you could go, an ND filter would be your next option. I get the 3 packs. .6 , .9 , and 1.2. I paid $130 (US) for my set. Dont go cheap, they will only hurt your image going with cheap filters.

I shoot every waterfall I can. I start at F11 and ISO 100 with a CPL. If thats not long enough Ill stop down until I get the exposure Im going for or start adding ND filters. Ive been known to stop down to F22 ISO 100 with a CPL and all 3 ND filters....... The vignetting from the filters gets removed in post.