Take better photos: Water, streams, and waterfalls
Whether it's a rushing stream, a cascading waterfall, or a fountain at your favorite city park, discover how to take
terrific photos of water with your digital camera.
Use a long exposure to get a misty, milky effect in your photos.
To achieve the silky, white look of rushing water, you need to use a long exposure time—between 2 and 5
seconds. It's almost impossible to hold the camera still for a longer exposure like this, so you'll want to use
a tripod, or rest your camera on a secure surface. The slower the shutter speed, the softer the water will appear
in your photo. Here's how:
To get the longest possible shutter speeds in daylight, use the smallest aperture possible, f8 or smaller
(f11 or f22 if possible-remember, with f-stops, the larger the number, the smaller the aperture). This
will help you keep the focus clear and control the amount of light that gets into your camera.
Try the Aperture Priority shooting mode, and your camera will automatically select a long shutter speed.
Or use the Manual mode to experiment with different combinations.
Experiment with the Macro shooting mode to get close-ups of drops.
Photographing water droplets is all about timing—and a willingness to get a little wet. You want to be
close enough to focus on detail, but not so close that your movement knocks the droplets down. Try these tips
to get a great shot:
Use your camera's Portrait shooting mode to be sure that your subject is the sharpest element in the
photo, and the background is blurred.
Experiment with the Macro mode, which lets you shoot extreme close-ups (generally less than 12 inches).
If your digital camera lets you make manual adjustments, boost the shutter speed (try 1/250) to freeze
the action.
A fast shutter speed is key to capturing the distinct shape of moving water.
Running water can be mesmerizing to watch. It's also an enjoyable photographic challenge to try to freeze
water's motion—the opposite of the smooth stream effect. Here's how to do it:
Use your digital camera's Action shooting mode, or manually set a faster shutter speed (1/250 or higher).
This will help you get a clear image of a fast-moving subject.
Press the shutter button halfway down, and move the camera until you have framed the shot you want. When
the water's flowing in the right way, press the button the rest of the way.
Still water and muted light make for great reflection photos.
Watery reflections are a classic subject for photographs. Look for opportunities anytime you see still
water—rain puddles, lakes, a placid patch of river, or a swimming pool all provide unique reflections.
You'll get the best light if you shoot in the early morning or twilight hours, and shoot without a flash.
Kids love water—especially water parks and fountains where they can splash and play. These techniques will
help you capture those great summertime shots:
Use your digital camera's Action shooting mode, or manually boost the shutter speed, and you'll be
ready when the perfect shot happens.
Try the half-press shutter technique described in the Freeze water in time section—it's useful
any time you want to capture action.
Be ready for those surprise shots-keep your camera set to Action mode.
Don't forget the many wonderful animals and birds that live near—and in—water when you're out
shooting pictures. Take your camera along with protective gear on kayaking voyages or canoe trips, and you'll
get some memorable water's-eye-view shots.
Now that you've learned the art of taking photos of water, streams, and waterfalls, learn more about printing better photos.
Or, check out our photo printer buying guide to find the photo printer right for you!
Take a free online class
in digital photography! Explore the many features of your digital camera, find tips for cropping and editing your
images, and discover new ideas for sharing your photos in creative ways.
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