Help with basics/shutter speed

[jk]

Hi all,

A basic question - shot a waterfalls picture yesterday (on my lunch break) and wanted to experiment with shutter speed to slow the water down and give it that silky look. The shots were not good - too blown out. I tried adjusting the f stop, changed the WB to sunlight, adjusted exposure compensation and changed the shutter speed. It was a perfect day - brilliant sunshine, clear blue skies and noon! No filter, just a UV. I have been successful other times on overcast days. Didn't have a lot of time to experiment or give it the thought process I needed.. Thanks for any input.

Jk

[gldiana]

Hi JK,
a very important tool you need for shooting slow motion in bright light is a Neutral Density filter which reduces the amount of light that gets to the sensor (or film). They come in different flavors, 2X, 4X, 8X, etc. depending on the strenght. The lowest number is the weakest. The most common ND filter (as a side effect) is the polarizer which usually removes around 2 f/stops. ND filters are usually not expensive (depending on quality and diameter), I strongly recommend getting one or a few, they have all sort of uses.

[bob_r]

Hi all,

A basic question - shot a waterfalls picture yesterday (on my lunch break) and wanted to experiment with shutter speed to slow the water down and give it that silky look. The shots were not good - too blown out. I tried adjusting the f stop, changed the WB to sunlight, adjusted exposure compensation and changed the shutter speed. It was a perfect day - brilliant sunshine, clear blue skies and noon! No filter, just a UV. I have been successful other times on overcast days. Didn't have a lot of time to experiment or give it the thought process I needed.. Thanks for any input.

Jk

You said you adjusted the f stop and shutter speed, but did you make sure your ISO was set to the lowest number? These 3 settings work together and adjusting the ISO will impact the other 2 settings. As Luca suggested, on a bright sunny day, you'll probably need a GND to reduce the shutter speed enough to blur a waterfall.

[gldiana]

but did you make sure your ISO was set to the lowest number?

I knew I was forgetting to mention something... thanks Bob

[jk]

Thanks guys, just as I hit the submit button I thought - arrrrrgh - my polarizing filter!! (which I believe says 2 on it) And yes, the ISO was at 100 the lowest I can set my Nikon D40X (a point and shoot in your world of amazing shots!!) Didn't bring that filter with me today, but the forecast is for another great weather day tomorrow and the leaves will be nothing less than amazing soon here in Vermont. Thanks again - maybe someday I will post something.

Jk

[gldiana]

Good to hear that, I'll be shooting foliage in Mass. and Maine in a little over a week.