For those early on their photographic journey, there are a few basic tips that will help you take good shots in tricky situations such as waterfalls
1. Use a tripod or something to lean on to prevent blur in low light and slow shutter speed situations eg waterfalls, under tree canopy.
2. Photographing waterfalls and streams best done on an overcast day to reduce contrast between light and dark areas. Use Shutter speeds of 1/30 sec or less to show water movement rather than "freezing" it. Must have a tripod or something to lean on to prevent blur from hand shake.
3. Aperture setting F16 to F32 to give greater depth of field ( picture will be more in focus from front of image into distance) for landscapes and seascapes. Usually need tripod as corresponding shutter speed will be longer as less light entering the lens.
4. Aperture setting F2.8 to F5 (narrow depth of field) when you want to concentrate focus on one area only and blur out everything in front or behind the subject of interest. With plenty of available light you won't need a tripod as more light comes into the lens and the corresponding shutter speed will be faster. E.g. photographing portraits people, animals, birds, flowers. Focus on the eyes to get them as sharp as possible for animals / people.
5. Use of a polarizer (a filter that is attached to your lens) to reduce the reflected glare off of water, sky (particulate), metalic surfaces and anything else with a good reflective surface, including leaves. It helps increase contrast and provide better, truer color when used properly. All SLR cameras will have the ability to attach filters to any lens. Compact cameras may not have this capability.
6. Zoom in to subject when photographing it to remove distracting objects surrounding it.
7. Use higher ISO setting upwards of 400 for capturing fast moving images to "freeze" the image. E.g. for action shots of people moving, cycling, surfing, etc.
Kerrie Anderson July 2009.
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