Technique
PHOTOGRAPHING WATER
Water, water, everywhere
Reflect on how you can improve your water photography skills as professionals Guy Edwardes, Ross Hoddinott and Claire Gillo share their top tips
Landscapes and water
Guy Edwardes
Guy Edwardes has been a professional landscape, nature and wildlife photographer for 25 years and has a wealth of knowledge in many fields. Guy also runs photography workshops both in the UK and abroad. To find out more go to www.guyedwardes.com.
Shoot abstract water images In windy conditions with large waves (but not too much white foam) try panning the waves as they approach the shore. Support your camera on a tripod or use image stabilisation (mode 2 for Canon or ‘Active’ for Nikon) as a shutter speed of between 1/15sec and 1sec tends to work best. Pan smoothly and you’ll be able to achieve some interesting effects.
Some of the most dramatic river and waterfall images are taken from the middle of the river – you’re almost certain to achieve a more unique composition! You’ll get closer Freeze wave action to interesting foreground In stormy conditions it is often preferable to use a fast shutter elements and with the speed to freeze the movement of waves as they explode water rushing towards you on the shoreline. It’s likely to be windy, so use a tripod if any leading lines will be possible and image stabilisation if you have it. A shutter more effective. Consider speed of 1/500sec is normally enough to freeze a wave, wearing waders, but don’t although slightly slower speeds can also be very effective. put yourself in danger.
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Cable or remote release
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By far the best lens cleaning cloth I’ve used. It even gets salt spray off your lens to leave it sparkling clean.
A decent set of sturdy wellingtons is a must if you want to get into some of the best positions along rivers and streams.
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Visible Dust Magic Cloth
Wellingtons or waders
Use ND filters to control exposure time Neutral density filters are an essential accessory when photographing moving water. They can be used to control the amount of light entering the camera to allow you to use the exact exposure time you need for the desired water effect. A useful selection would be 3-stop, 6-stop and 10-stop. They can be stacked to allow you to achieve a very long exposure time in the middle of the day.
Get in the water
GUY’S TOP KIT
ALL IMAGES ON PAGES 18-19 © GUY EDWARDES
Guy Edwardes knows a thing or two when it comes to capturing images of landscapes and water
Essential for allowing you to release the shutter at just the right moment to catch a particular water effect without shaking the camera. 22 February 2020 I www.amateurphotographer.co.uk I subscribe 0330 333 1113
