Capturing Moving Water

(on film or pixels)

Being around water, and usually carrying some sort of a camera, paddlers are always taking pictures of rapids and waterfalls. And, since they use a "point and shoot" technique, they are almost always disappointed in the pictures they get (like the one above). Even today, the most common photo question I get is about how to make these shots work. Today, I shall reveal all (this is common knowledge amongst photogs...but I digress).

To begin, you will need 1, water that you want to photograph; 2, a camera (film or digital will do nicely, however, the film should be iso/ASA 50 or 100...unless you have a neutral density filter...but I digress...way too much); 3, a tripod or way of absolutely keeping the camera motionless; 4, a cloudy day (here is where we separate the pros out). Oh yes, you must have the ability to alter your f-stop/shutter speed combination. This may be a bit much for some, but stay with me, it all becomes obvious.

Put the camera on the tripod. If it is digital, set it to its lowest iso speed (50 or 100, NOT 400). Frame the picture in the view finder. Now, you must shoot the picture at 1/15th of a second or slower...this is the golden key. If the pic at the top is simply re-shot as described, you will get the following:

Same framing, same exposure but with a slower shutter and smaller (higher numbered) f-stop. There it is, and you can stop there and admire your work. Or, if you have Phot0Shop or something like it, try juicing up the color:Or, desaturate it entirely (my truly great waterfall pics were done on black and white film:Paddle safe...

DS