The old saying, “Don’t go chasing waterfalls,” doesn’t apply to me. Traditionally, it serves as a metaphorical warning against pursuing something alluring but potentially harmful or deceptive. While the saying makes sense metaphorically, my reality as a traveling photographer is quite the opposite—I actively seek out waterfalls to capture their beauty.
For one, waterfalls are inherently captivating and visually striking. They showcase the raw power of nature while simultaneously evoking a sense of peace and tranquility. Additionally, the mist generated by cascading water creates a unique environment that nurtures diverse plant and animal life, enhancing the surrounding landscape and making it even more enchanting.
For every new destination I plan to visit, I dedicate countless hours to researching the local wildlife, national parks, and the presence of waterfalls along the route. This approach ensures that I can capture at least one or two stunning waterfall images, no matter where I go. Pre-trip research helps me identify the best viewpoints and optimal times of day for photography.
Waterfalls are relatively straightforward to photograph under the right lighting conditions. Ideally, a cloudy day works best, as it allows for longer exposures and prevents overly bright highlights. Shooting early in the morning, when the waterfall is still in shade, is also a great option, especially if the sky isn’t part of the composition. However, with modern technology, I can photograph waterfalls in almost any lighting condition—even using a fast shutter speed—while still achieving the “silky” water effect characteristic of flowing water.
To capture the desired “silky” water effect, it’s ideal to use a tripod and set your camera’s shutter speed to 1/8 second or slower. However, this isn’t always feasible, especially in bright conditions where too much light makes it impossible to shoot that slow, even at the lowest ISO. In such cases, the traditional solution is to use a Neutral Density (ND) filter, which reduces the light entering the camera and allows for slower shutter speeds.
Modern techniques now provide an alternative to using ND filters for achieving the same silky effect in waterfall photography. By employing faster shutter speeds, such as 1/30 second or faster, you can create a smooth water appearance without the need for additional gear. This method also supports handheld shooting, offering greater convenience and flexibility.
This effective technique for capturing silky water in bright conditions involves taking multiple images in quick succession and blending them in Photoshop. Each shot captures the moving water differently, allowing you to create a stack of images. By aligning them, converting them to a Smart Object, and using Photoshop’s Stack Mode to blend, you can produce a seamless final image. This process combines the exposures while maintaining consistent lighting and detail.
Below, you’ll find a tutorial explaining this technique step by step, enabling you to create silky water effects in any lighting condition. So, on your next trip, be sure to explore waterfall photography opportunities. Our workshop participants always enjoy the refreshing change of pace after days of photographing birds and wildlife.
