Gentle Waterfall

by Lori Arnold
(Salt Lake City, Utah USA)


This was the last day to take any color photos from the fall weather, as the next day it snowed and got cold,. I like it. I like the water depth in the shot.. ed, .. I always love to know your opinion!!

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There is always something inviting for photographers when they come across some water.

Whether it's a gushing waterfall or the local duck pond, there's something that just encourages us to whip out our cameras.

And I guess Lori found herself in just such a situation when she came across this scene.

And there's every reason to start snapping – the golden autumn colours (or fall colors for those on the other side of the Atlantic!), a waterfall, and a bright sunny day. Who wouldn't get an itchy trigger finger!

There are a few areas of this photo that I reckon could be adjusted to make a really great photo.

First off, I would try to capture more of the waterfall, and less of the leaves in the water.

The waterfall seems to be cut off at neck height (although I don't actually know how high it is) and that feels awkward. And the leaves in the foreground take up about half the picture.

Here's a thought – turn the camera sideways (portrait style) and get more of the waterfall in. Plus, the tall thin perspective would match the waterfall better.

But the real treat waiting to emerge here involves the movement in the water. If Lori had taken a slow shutter speed the water would be wispy, but the rest of the shot would be pin sharp (provided the camera doesn't move whilst the shutter is open) – click to read more on creative use of shutter speed.

All in all, this is a nice enough photo, and I hope these tips are helpful. As always, thanks Lori for the submission!

Ed.

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