FLOWING WATER PHOTOS

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Including flowing water in a photograph will add a sense of time and calm, if done with a slow shutter speed. No doubt you have seen countless waterfall photos where the water flows like silk down the rocks. I took this photo in a mountain hot spring town near Mt. Fuji, Japan. Because many temples and gardens in Japan have flowing water, it is an ideal location for such images. If you have tried similar shots, but only ended up with harsh rushing water, try the following techniques:

1. Place your camera on a solid tripod, and compose the photo. If you have a cable or remote shutter release, this is the time to use it, as it will keep your non-moving picture elements sharp (background, rocks, etc.).
2. If you have a camera that will allow for manual exposure, set the camera to Aperture Priority ("A" symbol for most cameras . . . check your user manual). Change the aperture (or f-stop) to the biggest number possible, which is usually 16 or 22. If you have a neutral density or polarizing filter, adding it to the lens will give you a greater effect of smooth flowing water. You are now ready to take the picture.
3. If you have an automatic point and shoot camera, go to a local camera store and purchase a neutral density or polarizing filter. It will be gray in color, and will allow for longer exposure times (thus giving a softer flow of water). Switch your settings to the mountain, or scenic icon, which will slow the shutter speed even more. Hold the filter over your lens, and with your camera on the tripod, take the photo. The length of your exposure will be dependent on the brightness of the day.
4. Hints: the brighter the day, the shorter the exposure, which means less flow effect. To this end, overcast days will produce better results. Also, if you are using a polarizing filter, you will get interesting variations on the photo by simply rotating the filter. Ask for a demonstration at your local camera store.

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