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The Art of Photographing Waterfalls
The Art of Photographing Waterfalls
by Keenan Hursh
Waterfalls are some of the most enchanting and magical natural wonders in the world. The soothing sound of the water rushing down, the ethereal mist that rises from the falls, and the beauty of the surrounding flora create a breathtaking experience that can capture the imagination of anyone lucky enough to see this.
Seeing these gravity-induced wonders is one thing but being able to capture their beauty and magnificence through the lens of a camera is different altogether. Photographing waterfalls is a popular and rewarding activity for photographers of all skill levels, but it can also be challenging. In this article, we will explore the art of photographing waterfalls and provide tips and techniques to help you create stunning images.
Seeing these gravity-induced wonders is one thing but being able to capture their beauty and magnificence through the lens of a camera is different altogether. Photographing waterfalls is a popular and rewarding activity for photographers of all skill levels, but it can also be challenging. In this article, we will explore the art of photographing waterfalls and provide tips and techniques to help you create stunning images.
Finding the Right Location
The first, and arguably most important, step in photographing waterfalls is to find the right location. Just like any style of photography, you’ll want to set yourself up for success. While there are countless waterfalls around the world, not all of them are ideal for photography.
Look for waterfalls that offer interesting features such as unique shapes, textures, and colors. Also, consider the lighting conditions and the surrounding landscape. A waterfall surrounded by lush greenery can make for a stunning shot that is familiar and comfortable to the viewer, while a waterfall in a barren desert can portray more intense and contrasting imagery. You’ll want to do some research before you go out to make sure you’re setting yourself up for the perfect shot.
The first, and arguably most important, step in photographing waterfalls is to find the right location. Just like any style of photography, you’ll want to set yourself up for success. While there are countless waterfalls around the world, not all of them are ideal for photography.
Look for waterfalls that offer interesting features such as unique shapes, textures, and colors. Also, consider the lighting conditions and the surrounding landscape. A waterfall surrounded by lush greenery can make for a stunning shot that is familiar and comfortable to the viewer, while a waterfall in a barren desert can portray more intense and contrasting imagery. You’ll want to do some research before you go out to make sure you’re setting yourself up for the perfect shot.
Timing and Lighting
When it comes to photographing waterfalls, getting the right lighting is absolutely essential. Ideally, you’ll want nice soft light that illuminates your entire shot well as opposed to bright and direct sunlight that might blow out parts of your image with super intense contrasting light.
Not surprisingly, one of the best times to photograph waterfalls is during the golden hours, which are the first hour after sunrise and the last hour before sunset. During this time, the light is soft and warm, which can create a beautiful glow on the water and surrounding foliage.
You can also create a more dramatic look by photographing waterfalls during overcast or rainy days, which can provide more even lighting and make the colors pop. When sunlight has to travel through clouds it gets dispersed and diffused creating a nice even and soft light throughout your composition.
When it comes to photographing waterfalls, getting the right lighting is absolutely essential. Ideally, you’ll want nice soft light that illuminates your entire shot well as opposed to bright and direct sunlight that might blow out parts of your image with super intense contrasting light.
Not surprisingly, one of the best times to photograph waterfalls is during the golden hours, which are the first hour after sunrise and the last hour before sunset. During this time, the light is soft and warm, which can create a beautiful glow on the water and surrounding foliage.
You can also create a more dramatic look by photographing waterfalls during overcast or rainy days, which can provide more even lighting and make the colors pop. When sunlight has to travel through clouds it gets dispersed and diffused creating a nice even and soft light throughout your composition.
Equipment and Settings
To capture the beauty of waterfalls, you need to bring the right equipment and know the correct camera settings to use. You’ll want to be prepared with all the knowledge and equipment you might need while on a shoot.
A tripod is a must-have tool for capturing long exposure shots, which can create a smooth and silky effect on the water. This is my favorite way to capture waterfalls as it beautifully portrays the motion and captures the effect of time. To increase your exposure a Neutral density filter is a great accessory to bring along. These filters allow you to reduce the amount of light entering your lens and achieve longer exposures even when it's bright out. A polarizing filter can also be useful for reducing glare and enhancing the colors of the scene.
As for camera settings, I would recommend that you use a low ISO to reduce noise and a smaller aperture to increase the depth of field and capture more of your scene in sharp, stunning detail. To capture the motion of the water, use a slow shutter speed, typically between 1/4 and 2 seconds. Of course, these are only suggestions and I always encourage photographers to experiment with their camera settings to get the shot they’re looking for.
To capture the beauty of waterfalls, you need to bring the right equipment and know the correct camera settings to use. You’ll want to be prepared with all the knowledge and equipment you might need while on a shoot.
A tripod is a must-have tool for capturing long exposure shots, which can create a smooth and silky effect on the water. This is my favorite way to capture waterfalls as it beautifully portrays the motion and captures the effect of time. To increase your exposure a Neutral density filter is a great accessory to bring along. These filters allow you to reduce the amount of light entering your lens and achieve longer exposures even when it's bright out. A polarizing filter can also be useful for reducing glare and enhancing the colors of the scene.
As for camera settings, I would recommend that you use a low ISO to reduce noise and a smaller aperture to increase the depth of field and capture more of your scene in sharp, stunning detail. To capture the motion of the water, use a slow shutter speed, typically between 1/4 and 2 seconds. Of course, these are only suggestions and I always encourage photographers to experiment with their camera settings to get the shot they’re looking for.
Composition
Composition is key when photographing waterfalls. You’ll want to look for interesting angles and perspectives that can create a sense of depth and dimensionality in your images. Showing just a waterfall that takes up almost your entire screen is alright but adding other surrounding elements and dramatic camera angles can bring your images to the next level.
It’s always a good idea to use the rule of thirds to place the waterfall and surrounding elements in your frame and consider incorporating leading lines or curves that can guide the viewer's eye through the scene. If the waterfall is in the distance and some branches or rocks draw the eye to the waterfall this will work in your favor. Also, experiment with different focal lengths and perspectives, such as shooting from a high vantage point or from down low on the ground looking up.
Composition is key when photographing waterfalls. You’ll want to look for interesting angles and perspectives that can create a sense of depth and dimensionality in your images. Showing just a waterfall that takes up almost your entire screen is alright but adding other surrounding elements and dramatic camera angles can bring your images to the next level.
It’s always a good idea to use the rule of thirds to place the waterfall and surrounding elements in your frame and consider incorporating leading lines or curves that can guide the viewer's eye through the scene. If the waterfall is in the distance and some branches or rocks draw the eye to the waterfall this will work in your favor. Also, experiment with different focal lengths and perspectives, such as shooting from a high vantage point or from down low on the ground looking up.
Editing
Post-processing can be the finishing touch that takes your waterfall images to the next level. Use editing software to enhance the colors and contrast, adjust the exposure, and sharpen the details. Be careful not to overdo it, however, as too much editing can make your images look unrealistic and artificial. I use Adobe Lightroom for 90 percent of my photo editing, and it works great. If you’re new to post-processing or want to learn how to better use these tools, then check out the courses we offer!
Post-processing can be the finishing touch that takes your waterfall images to the next level. Use editing software to enhance the colors and contrast, adjust the exposure, and sharpen the details. Be careful not to overdo it, however, as too much editing can make your images look unrealistic and artificial. I use Adobe Lightroom for 90 percent of my photo editing, and it works great. If you’re new to post-processing or want to learn how to better use these tools, then check out the courses we offer!
Photographing Waterfalls with BCJ
At Backcountry Journeys we realize how magical it can be to photograph waterfalls which is why we offer a photography workshop that focuses on precisely this. Our Ethereal Waterfall Workshop takes guests to many stunning waterfalls throughout the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee over the course of 5 days. This all-inclusive trip will teach you the basics of how to plan for, photograph, and edit waterfall images with the help of our professional guides. If you’ve always wanted to capture stunning images of waterfalls, then check this trip out!
At Backcountry Journeys we realize how magical it can be to photograph waterfalls which is why we offer a photography workshop that focuses on precisely this. Our Ethereal Waterfall Workshop takes guests to many stunning waterfalls throughout the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee over the course of 5 days. This all-inclusive trip will teach you the basics of how to plan for, photograph, and edit waterfall images with the help of our professional guides. If you’ve always wanted to capture stunning images of waterfalls, then check this trip out!
Conclusion
In conclusion, photographing waterfalls can be a challenging but incredibly rewarding experience. By finding the right location, timing, and lighting, using the right equipment and camera settings, and paying attention to composition and editing, you can create stunning images that capture the beauty and magic of waterfalls. So grab your camera, head to your nearest waterfall, and start shooting!
In conclusion, photographing waterfalls can be a challenging but incredibly rewarding experience. By finding the right location, timing, and lighting, using the right equipment and camera settings, and paying attention to composition and editing, you can create stunning images that capture the beauty and magic of waterfalls. So grab your camera, head to your nearest waterfall, and start shooting!
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AUTHOR
AUTHOR
Keenan Hursh is a Photographer, visual designer, and creative story teller based out of Bozeman, Montana. He draws inspiration from his frequent excursions into the natural world and always brings his camera along to capture whatever adventures he finds himself in. Keenan is passionate about documenting and sharing fleeting moments from the natural world and focuses primarily on wildlife, landscape, and adventure photography.
When it comes to gear, he primarily shoots digital with his Canon EOS R5 and EOS 6D mark ii but also has several 35mm film cameras that get out every now and then.
At a very young age, Keenan started bringing a camera along on his excursions and immediately fell in love with the art of photography. He started out with his parent’s cheap point and shoot and has continuously improved his craft and gear refining his shooting style and producing more compelling and intriguing images.
Growing up in the foothills of Boulder, Colorado, surrounded by mountains and wilderness, Keenan has developed a deep passion for many outdoor activities. When he’s not out on a shoot or using his camera, Keenan enjoys skiing, climbing, hiking, backpacking, cycling, whitewater rafting, and paragliding. If he’s outside, away from the distractions of society and civilization, he’s in his happy place.
Keenan studied Emergent Digital Practices at the University of Denver while minoring in Marketing and Entrepreneurship. Since earning his degree in 2019 he was worked with a wide range of clients, companies, and organizations throughout his career. Apart from photography he specializes in content creation, writing, brand development, and graphic design.
You can view Keenan’s portfolio on his website at www.keenanhurshphoto.com
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BACKCOUNTRY JOURNEYS
"Backcountry Journeys offers guests the unique opportunity to explore our natural world from behind their own lens. We run a selection of hand-crafted Photo Tours, Workshops & Safaris connecting passionate people to exceptional experiences. Locations worldwide.
- Russ Nordstrand, Backcountry Journeys Founder & Director
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All Images & Content are property of Backcountry Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris LLCs - Copyright 2024
BACKCOUNTRY JOURNEYS
"Backcountry Journeys offers guests the unique opportunity to explore our natural world from behind their own lens. We run a selection of hand-crafted Photo Tours, Workshops & Safaris connecting passionate people to exceptional experiences. Locations worldwide.
All Images & Content are property of Backcountry Journeys Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris LLC - Copyright 2024
TRIP CATALOG
Download our Trip Catalog for detailed information on our many destinations for photography tours, workshops, and safaris.