Settings Breakdown
The sweet spot for silky water. Half a second shows motion while retaining texture. 1-2 seconds creates the classic smooth, ethereal look.
In daylight, even at f/16 and ISO 100, you can't get slow enough shutter speeds without an ND filter. 3-6 stops is usually sufficient for waterfalls.
Narrow apertures help achieve slower shutter speeds while maintaining sharpness throughout the scene. Sweet spot is f/11 before diffraction kicks in.
Always base ISO for waterfalls. You want the slowest possible shutter speed, and higher ISO works against that goal while adding noise.
A circular polarizer cuts reflections on wet rocks, deepens colors, and reduces about 1.5 stops of light — helping achieve slower shutter speeds.
Multi-second exposures require absolute stability. Waterfalls often involve slippery, uneven terrain — ensure your tripod is secure before shooting.
Pro Tips
Shoot in Open Shade
Overcast days or shaded waterfalls are ideal. Direct sunlight creates harsh contrast and makes long exposures difficult even with ND filters.
Vary Your Shutter Speed
Don't settle on one exposure. Try 1/4s for texture, 1s for moderate blur, and 2s for full silk. Different speeds suit different waterfalls.
Watch the White Balance
Forest waterfalls often have green color cast from surrounding foliage. Use a custom WB or adjust in post to neutralize unwanted tints.
Include Foreground Interest
Rocks, fallen leaves, and moss add scale and interest. The contrast between sharp, static foreground and silky moving water creates visual tension.
Protect Your Gear
Spray from waterfalls can coat your lens and filter. Bring a lens cloth and check for droplets between shots. A lens hood helps too.
Try Different Angles
Shoot from below looking up for drama, from the side for depth, or from above for patterns. Each angle tells a different story about the same waterfall.