First blurred water photo

[JonZenor]

I finally learned how to get the blurry water effect! Okay, so it wasn't that hard, but still I think it is cool. I had a problem though, while I was out there my wide angle lens crapped out on me. (The camera kept saying it could not communicate with the lens)

Anyway, so I had to improvise with my 55mm lens and stand further back which got extra bushes and stuff in the way, but I pressed on and made it out with a couple of what I think are decent images.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jonzquest/4530743288/

I really liked this one a lot because the green trees above the water add color to the picture. The second one was taken with a longer exposure and had to use the zoom lens.

Exposure: 0.25 sec (1/4)
Aperture: f/8.0
Focal Length: 18 mm
ISO Speed: 100
Exposure Bias: 0 EV
Flash: Off, Did not fire


Exposure: 0.5
Aperture: f/8.0
Focal Length: 55 mm
ISO Speed: 100
Exposure Bias: 0 EV
Flash: Off, Did not fire

Both images were taken with my Canon Rebel T1i and I had a 0.9 ND filter attached to keep it from over exposing. I could have also lowered the aperture or EV, but I did not think of them at the time because I had my 3 year old son with me and he was crying and distracting me a lot. Last time I bring him on a photo shooting hike.

[KansaiGreenie]

Hi Jon,

Congratulations on figuring out how to shoot moving water! These are nice images and great start.

Personally, I like the second one better. I see what you are saying about the green, it definitely adds some color, but I think it also distracts from the subject, the moving water.

When I take this type of image, I like to use a polarizing filter. It will take about 1 1/2 stops off of the exposure and will also cut the glare of the reflecting water. Can you see the shiny white highlights on the wet rocks? A circular polarizer will make those go dark. Also, I usually go with a longer shutter speed of one second or more. That will make the water really, really dreamy.

Anyway, these are lovely images and I envy you living in Colorado where there are great things to shoot.

KG

[windrider86]

Also try taking your photos when the light isnt so harsh. Notice how some areas are blown out?
Also, please be sure to read thru the guidelines so you'll know what to include or not to include within your posts. txs

[JonZenor]

Originally Posted by KansaiGreenie

Hi Jon,

Congratulations on figuring out how to shoot moving water! These are nice images and great start.

Personally, I like the second one better. I see what you are saying about the green, it definitely adds some color, but I think it also distracts from the subject, the moving water.

When I take this type of image, I like to use a polarizing filter. It will take about 1 1/2 stops off of the exposure and will also cut the glare of the reflecting water. Can you see the shiny white highlights on the wet rocks? A circular polarizer will make those go dark. Also, I usually go with a longer shutter speed of one second or more. That will make the water really, really dreamy.

Anyway, these are lovely images and I envy you living in Colorado where there are great things to shoot.

KG

Thank you for your feedback. Using a polarized filter would have been a good idea, I will have to try that next time.

Originally Posted by windrider86

Also try taking your photos when the light isnt so harsh. Notice how some areas are blown out?

It was extremely overcast that day and later in the evening, I think it was around 5 or 6pm. The long exposure made everything brighter.

Also, sorry for breaking the guidelines. I haven't posted pictures here in a while and forgot about them. I will try not to let it happy again.

[doubleconvex]

Actually quite well done. Not sure that I can add more value with anything that hasn't already been said. Composition wise, the branch on the left is a wee bit distracting. The light is a little harsh; you could opt to go for a smaller aperture and lower the exposure time. The alternative is to shoot using Auto Exposure Bracketing (AEB) to give you the option of a few different f-stops.

[spill_cake]

i do like the pic as a whole. i just wish the rock can be darkened a little bit

[Christi V]

nice.!! i wrote your info down.. so next time I see water babbling in a brook i will try it!