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turtlewoodimages.com - BARBARA TURNER Contact BARBARA TURNER BARBARA TURNER's Gallery		How to slow down water in water falls Iv'e seen these photos a million times, but I would like to know how to create the effect of dreamy water falls where the water is a blur. To love this question, log in above October 04, 2005

Michael H. Cothran		Simple. You need to use a slower shutter speed, which will necessitate using a tripod. Normally, any speed 1/8 second or slower will give you the "cotton candy" effect you like. Here are a couple of tips photographing "moving water" (my favorite subject) - 1. Shoot on overcast days. Avoid sunny days. 2. Shoot in Spring and early Summer for the most water, and prettiest greenery around the falls. 3. If the falls covers a majority of your image area, be careful that the brightness of the white water does not adversely affect your exposure (which it probably will). You will most likely need to dial in a little "+" exposure compensation. Suggestion - On a nice overcast day, visit a water falls of your choice. Set your camera on Shutter priority, and shoot a series of exposures starting at 1/125 sec, then 1/60, 1/30, all the way down to 1 sec, and slower, if possible. Be sure your camera can provide the appropriate aperture with each setting. You may find that you are max-ed out once you get down to some slower speeds. Adding a polarizer will give you an extra two stops to play with in necessary. Study the water to see the differences. Subjectivity will play a part in deciding what you like best, but anything slower than about 1/8 second will always be smooth and nice. Please visit my website (or my BP gallery). I have a few "moving water" images posted. Michael H. Cothran www.mhcphoto.net To love this comment, log in above October 04, 2005

Brendan Knell		Also if you can't get it dark enough, or come back another time, then a Neutral Density filter will also help. It's something that I've wanted for a while, because the ones in my gallery, I tried to take and I had to wait for some clouds, and then they still didn't turn out! So I had to go back around dusk. To love this comment, log in above October 04, 2005

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