Lately I've tried capturing flowing water so that the water's path is blurred. I know that I have to use a slower shutter speed, but when I do, the photos are extremely overexposed. What am I doing wrong? I've tried changing the ISO, but that isn't helping enough. What settings do you use to get good, flowing, water shots? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Check out this youtube tutorial: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QOZf1IRsl9o - I found it very helpful and used it to capture this shot:
You should in the very least use a tripod, and if you have it a remote trigger use that as well (if not then use the self timer on your camera). I have yet to try a ND filter for this type of shot (winter=frozen water LOL), but I'll take @mrgtrueman word for it- his shot is a fantastic example of this technique.
@rebcastillo77@mrgtrueman really helpful and @dejongdd thank you for asking the question, I have the same thing sometimes and wasn't sure why sometimes it was okay and others not, but thinking about it the water pictures I have got right have been in wooded or shaded areas.
@crappysailor good point, also make sure you are using the correct white balance as well. I know that sounds pretty basic, but I can't tell you how many pictures I have taken that came out weird because of the white balance being wrong.
@dejongdd I forgot to mention a tripod and the ND filter was explained to me by someone I follow. As I said I'm no pro as the above is the only one I have taken! Beginners luck I imagine but I thought I'd explain what I did. Glad it was useful
I was like u , i wanted it so badly before i knew how and now most of my shots are long exposure shots . I just love them ..
so here are a few tips from me . . .
1. tripod
2. either remote release trigger or use ur 2 sec timer.
3. shoot on SHUTTER SPEED so u can choose how long u want ur shutter opened for and the camera will automatically work out the rest for u . Saves u trying to work out the aperture right away ( that can wait till later ).
Ok so like the others said it depends how much light is available . Dust or Dawn is much better but if there are plenty of trees around then you shouldnt have to worry . ND filters work well if u cant get them exposed enough.
This shot was taken on a 1/8 sec f/22 ISO 100 without filters . The water was flowing very fast so didnt need it opened for too long.
this shot was taken at 10am using a ND fader filter with 1 sec exposure f/22 iso 100
its so easy once u work it out , is why my albums are covered in long exposure . Its what i love to do and so simple.
A huge thank you to everyone who offered suggestions to my plea for help. I will definitely take them to heart. I hope to post a successful water shot in the very near future. You guys are the BEST!
Yes, thanks to all the people who were willing to share their tips and experience. I wanted to learn how to creat this effect and now I have some great info to get and try it. THX!
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This was taken at dusk with a long exposure. Check my exif data for the exact settings.
The ND filter lets you do the same thing when there is more light.
Hope this helps however I'm no expert!
You should in the very least use a tripod, and if you have it a remote trigger use that as well (if not then use the self timer on your camera). I have yet to try a ND filter for this type of shot (winter=frozen water LOL), but I'll take @mrgtrueman word for it- his shot is a fantastic example of this technique.
I was like u , i wanted it so badly before i knew how and now most of my shots are long exposure shots . I just love them ..
so here are a few tips from me . . .
1. tripod
2. either remote release trigger or use ur 2 sec timer.
3. shoot on SHUTTER SPEED so u can choose how long u want ur shutter opened for and the camera will automatically work out the rest for u . Saves u trying to work out the aperture right away ( that can wait till later ).
Ok so like the others said it depends how much light is available . Dust or Dawn is much better but if there are plenty of trees around then you shouldnt have to worry . ND filters work well if u cant get them exposed enough.
This shot was taken on a 1/8 sec f/22 ISO 100 without filters . The water was flowing very fast so didnt need it opened for too long.
this shot was taken at 10am using a ND fader filter with 1 sec exposure f/22 iso 100
its so easy once u work it out , is why my albums are covered in long exposure . Its what i love to do and so simple.
Hope that helps , let me know how u got on.
Another link that explains http://www.dslrtips.com/workshops/How_to_blur_water_photos/long_exposure_water.shtml
liipgloss had it all in here explanation above, nice Tips!
Its a Fav of mine to do.