Help Please

[bsparr]

Had the opportunity to go to Whistler, BC last summer, on the drive up from Vancouver there is this spectacular waterfall. The only vantage from which to photograph is some distance away and in the total shade of the forest. I am hoping to return this summer and would like to see if I can do a better job of photographing. I know that I should have a better understanding of how to use my equipment but just hoping for a little input. Please take a look and let me know what I might do.

[thelegend1472]

the center of the waterfall where it looks like you focused came out a little hot. maybe dont use quite as long of an exposure or compensate accordingly. depending on how much time you are going to have there i would try to shoot this as early in the morning as possible before the sun is right on top of you shining down, which makes any photograph hard to nail. i would also and i understand you said vantage points were limited but try not to center the waterfall in the frame. use the rule of 3rds. that looks like a really beautiful place. i wanna go!

[engstrom]

My suggestion would be to take multiple bracketed pictures (bracketing with shutter speed) and use NEF. That way you can combine the pictures so the waterfall isn't blown and still get detail in the trees and sky. You might need a neutral density filter to get a long enough exposure to blur the water but still not overexpose it.

[engstrom]

Oh yeah, I also think this shot would look great as a portrait orientation with maybe a 4 x 5 crop instead of 2 x 3.

[bsparr]

Thanks for the input, the tree canopy makes the viewing area quite dark. Since last summer I have picked up a new tripod and a couple lens so I can't wait for the chance to shoot the falls again. The drive from Vabcouver to Whistler on the Sea to Sky highway is really nice, some of the best scenery I have ever seen.

[evil4blue]

Originally Posted by engstrom

Oh yeah, I also think this shot would look great as a portrait orientation with maybe a 4 x 5 crop instead of 2 x 3.

Bingo! My thoughts exactly.

Waterfalls tend to look better if you shoot them from real low, looking up slightly or vice versa. This will give the photo more depth and will impress upon the viewer the size/magnitude of the falls.

[DEMDeepEllumMusic]

I think that a polarizer would have helped in this case.