Tips for Taking Waterfall Pictures - Watery Wednesday

5. Photograph when the lighting is right. Photography is all about capturing light. The best times to photograph waterfalls are cloudy days. For the most part direct sun on any falls will not enhance the image in any way, of course there are times when this rule should be broken.

4. Use foreground features. It is important not to only include the waterfall in the picture. Lines in the foreground that lead to the waterfall and swirling leaves/bubbles both enhance the image when used properly.

3. Use a polarizing filter. A polarizing filter is used to cut down reflections. It is very useful when working around waterfalls to give the rocks around the falls their actual color instead of just a reflection.

2. Use slow shutter speeds. The use of slow shutter speeds creates a more pleasing image. It makes the image have more of a calm mood.

1. Use a tripod. If you have a tripod use it if you don't buy one (even cheap ones will work well), there is no way to use slow shutter speeds without a tripod. It also allows for a much sharper image at any shutter speed.

I took this one on a cloudy day. To add interest I included much of the area around the falls so people could see the whole area not just the waterfall.

This is an example of a leading line. The fallen tree works well to draw the viewers eyes through the photo and eventually to the falls itself.

Check out more great Watery Wednesday posts here.