Photographing water

Photographing water

Landscape Photography
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Photographing water

Water is one of the greatest things to photograph but time after time the final image does not meet the mark.

For anyone with an interest in outdoor photography, knowing how to take images of water correctly is vital. Water in landscape images can transform a dull shot into something amazing. There are many different types of photography where water will be included in your image.

These are a few items that you should consider having with you when you are taking images of water. The first and the most important is a tripod. This will allow you to take crystal sharp images. A shutter cable release will also help in getting your images sharp.

Also needed are a few filters. A Neutral Density filter will allow you to keep the shot from being overexposed in the lighter areas such as sky, clouds, snow etc. It will also help reduce the light source so you can use longer exposure times. Polarizing filters will allow you to remove any unwanted reflection that may cause a distraction in your image.

It is advisable to carry a few different lenses with a lens hood. A lens hood will cut down on any unwanted glare coming from the sun. Once you have the proper equipment, you will need to be able to use the controls on your camera to make the best out of each scene.

The main component on the camera that controls motion is your cameras shutter. The cameras shutter controls the amount of time it takes to capture an image. The best way to get total control of your cameras shutter is to practice. Try the following test to get a better understanding of the shutter. Find a scene with fast moving water - place your camera on top of a tripod. Take five images at different shutter speeds.

Take the first image at one second and take the next a ½. Then take the rest of the images using the same sequence. When finished take note of how the water appears with a slow shutter time. Compare the five images against each other. If done correctly the water should have a misty effect when shooting with a slow shutter.

While photographing water you should always bracket your shots, making sure that you will get an attractive shot.

You should always be careful when calculating the exposure of water. If you have a light meter take an incident light meter reading: instead of pointing the meter at water, you stand beside the water and point the meter at the camera. The light that falls on your water will also fall on your meter.

The best time for shooting water in landscapes or seascapes is in the early morning or late evening. Shooting at this time will add mood to your image and when the light falls right for you, will create brilliant colours.

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