Waterfall Photographs – advise/tips please

[Baz777]

I was disappointed with these, the longer exposure time has just blown the highlights.

Any tips would be appreciated, as I want to revisit this.

Thanks in advance

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc139/rite_of_terra/DSCN6412.jpg

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc139/rite_of_terra/DSCN6345-1.jpg

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc139/rite_of_terra/DSCN6380.jpg

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc139/rite_of_terra/DSCN6381.jpg

[Les McLean]

Expose for the highligts, it's easier to pull back the midtones/shadows in PS.

If your camera hasn't got spot metering, take a reading from the highlights and use that, failing that, underexpose 1-2 stops from average reading.

Shoot in low light, avoid sunlight-I find the begiining and end of the days produce the best results, as the light is less contrasty.

[taxi]

Hi Baz777

I'm not sure if you where shooting in bright sun light. But this will drastically reduce the exposure time, due to the bright conditions. Try shooting in overcast conditions as this will increase your exposure times.

Also some ND filters would help reduce the light getting to the lens and increase the exposure time, so reducing the blown out areas. You can get filters set quite cheaply from cokin, that will help you out here.

The composition on some of these photos is good.


Gerald

[simonkit]

I echo the comment about the ND filter...

I'd also suggest shooting RAW, if you haven't done so and bracketing the exposure, perhaps by - / + 1 stop

simon

[Baz777]

Thanks for the advice, much needed and appreciated.

Will have to revist and put your comments into practice :thumbs:

[gwh]

nd or nd grad and circ pol + tripod
gwh

[G2EWS]

Hi Baz,

In photobucket if you click on the img code you get the actual picture rather than a link.


http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc139/rite_of_terra/DSCN6412.jpg

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc139/rite_of_terra/DSCN6345-1.jpg

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc139/rite_of_terra/DSCN6380.jpg

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc139/rite_of_terra/DSCN6381.jpg

Makes it easier for us to view.

Whilst I am not fond of using bracketing, it would have given you a better chance of getting it right on this occasion. However, make sure you turn bracketing off and don't do as I did and forget! Then wonder why you keep getting photos with +1 and -1 coming up. Particularly when it is a new camera and you have not got your head around it!

Regards

Chris

[mattyh]

^^ Yes but they're oversized, which is why the images were removed, and links left ;)

I agree about bracketing though :thumbs: