To create the softness in the waterfall, you'd have to slow the shutter speed to at least 1/2", and preferably 1" or slower. I don't know the minimum aperture of your lens, but if you were shooting f/11 and 1/125 at ISO 100, I have the feeling that the slowest shutter speed that you may have been able to achieve would be something like 1/30" at f/22 or 1/15" at f/32. Therefore, you'd need a neutral density filter, likely 0.9, to slow the situation down any more, and that might only get you down to 1/2".
My suggestion would be to try again either earlier or later in the day (I seem the recall feeling that you photo had been shot towards midday), when there's less light and you won't need the neutral density filter. You'll also want a tripod and shutter release of some type, and likely a mirror lock up on your camera (if it does that). Lots of little things to do differently, I feel...
In addition to what Tim said, you also might want to consider getting a different angle and perhaps an interesting foreground element to make it a bit more dynamic. As it is, the flowing water helps but it's still a bit "dead-on". I think you have a lot of potential with this area, so I'd just keep visiting under different conditions and trying things out...that's how you learn best!!
In order to get the link to work you need to put in between this code . I'm also not sure what you were trying to accomplish with this photo. Generally I like to waterfall shoot on a cloudy or rainy day. I'm not sure a single ND filter will work well on a bright day at high noon.
I have to agree with all of the above suggestions: better light, a more dynamic angle, a different assemblage of elements to provide a better sense of depth.
BTW, there's a very large dust spot just to the left of center near the top of the frame.
Discussion
6 repliesThey are:
Shutter Speed 1/125
F11
ISO 100
Focal Length 200m
Nikon D80
*I can't get the link to work. Go to http://www.redbubble.com/people/vmurfin/art/2768229-2-river to see my picture.
Thanks
Tim!
My suggestion would be to try again either earlier or later in the day (I seem the recall feeling that you photo had been shot towards midday), when there's less light and you won't need the neutral density filter. You'll also want a tripod and shutter release of some type, and likely a mirror lock up on your camera (if it does that). Lots of little things to do differently, I feel...
Good luck,
Tim!
In order to get the link to work you need to put in between this code . I'm also not sure what you were trying to accomplish with this photo. Generally I like to waterfall shoot on a cloudy or rainy day. I'm not sure a single ND filter will work well on a bright day at high noon.
BTW, there's a very large dust spot just to the left of center near the top of the frame.