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Forums · Digital Imaging

Help,Settings Forgotten

Discussion

7 replies
Posted by Cheyenne Howell on May 19, 2011 at 8:07 AM
I have not taken shots of stream and falls for 3 years and have forgotten Manuel settings for capturing moving water. Could someone please help me with this? Isn't the shutter speed setting slow, actually most times bulb? I would appreciate your help, Thanks
Posted by Bill Chambers on May 19, 2011 at 8:45 AM
It all depends on what your preferences are for moving water. I assume you are wanting to show water motion since you mention slower shutter speeds. It varies of course, but I like to shoot between 1/2 sec and 1 sec normally if the water is moving fairly quickly. The longer the shutter speed, the more blurred the water, and I don't care for totally blurred water. You might want to view some stream images in Landscape forum and check the settings they used. Have fun. :wavey:
Posted by SandyRichardsBrown on May 19, 2011 at 12:49 PM
Hi, Jackie - One of the joys of digital is instant feedback! I agree with Bill - these are my initial settings too, then I move in slow increments both ways. Study your LCD image and histogram and see what you think. SO many variables with moving water that there is just no one setting that works for everything, to blur just the way you want.
Have fun!
Sandy
Posted by Paul DeCesare on May 19, 2011 at 2:50 PM
Yep, 1 second is a great ballpark to start. If the water is moving really slow that day (not the falls but the river) you may need to increase the time for a smooth effect. Using a polarizer will remove glare and add to detail in the water and any foliage too (I know, you know that!).

Have fun, look forward to your posts!
Posted by Buck Ward on May 19, 2011 at 7:36 PM
I shoot surf rather than flowing streams or water falls. I like two to ten seconds. The great thing about digital is that you can chimp your results and adjust accordingly.
Posted by Cheyenne Howell on May 20, 2011 at 8:59 AM
Hey, everyone--thanks so much for the feedback. I just realized I have a water garden with a waterfall to practice with.
Posted by Wick Smith on May 23, 2011 at 3:31 PM
Ditto to other comments, but I start around 1/4 second exposure and work towards longer ones after that to see what the results will be. A lot has to do with personal tastes. Using a ND filter, I can jack up the exposure to 10+ seconds & get some really cool looks. Again, personal taste rules.

Just know if you shoot anything beyond 1/4 second, Stan Rose will give you grief for having blurred water :smile:
Posted by Cheyenne Howell on May 23, 2011 at 10:22 PM
Thanks, With all your advice I think I finally got it again. Whew!!, : :eek: I was worried. I kinda get water and moon shot settings crossed.